Torch December 2014

THETORCH PLAINWELL HIGH SCHOOL || 684 Starr Rd, Plainwell, MI 49080 || www.trojantorch.com

03

Death sticks are out, e-cigs are in

13

Students dish on giving cheaters a second go

Santa greets Plainwell parade goers on Dec. 6. Photo by Maiah Lesher.

ISSUE 3, VOL. 65 || Dec. 2014

Opinion.................................2 News.....................................5 Feature.................................8 Lifestyle...............................11 Sports..................................14

02 || opinion

the trojan torch

december 2014

The Trojan Torch Volume 65, Issue 3 December 17, 2014

Editor-in-Chief: Camille Willbrandt

News Editor: Alex Beals

Opinion Editor: Rob Murgittroyd

Feature Editor: Shelby Lentz

Lifestyle Editor:

Sports Editor:

Photo Editor:

Business Editor:

Sarah Bommer

Maiah Lesher

Staff Writers Matias Amaro ‘15 Shelby Booden ‘15 Michael Carroll ‘16 Mitchell Clark ‘15 Drew Hagen ‘15 Kenny Head ‘15 Lucky Hogg ‘15 Daniel HouseHolder ‘15 Zoe Jordan ‘15 Ricky Laduke ‘15 Sara Lepley ‘15 Carter Leslie ‘15 Colin McHugh ‘15 Sean Murphy ‘15 Quinn Newland ‘16 Chelsea Oetman ‘15 Ruby Ramos ‘15 Sierra Rouleau ‘15 Gunner Sheldon ‘15 Cassidy Steele ‘15 Kelsey Thompson ‘15

Emily Totten

Kyle Shannon

The Trojan Torch serves students, faculty of PHS, and members of the community through informing, educating, interpreting, etertaining, and advertising.

All members of the community and students are free to contribute stories, photos, and/or drawings to The Torch. We do deserve the right to edit or reject your work as we see fit. If the story submitted is anything other than editorial, The Torch requires all sources to be identified in order to continue its tradition as a credible news and information source. The Torch staff also reserves the right to accept or reject the purchase of any adverstisement. To purchase advertising, or to submit a story, photo, or letter to the editor, please send it to: Plainwell High School Attn: Marilyn Hess 684 Starr Rd. Plainwell, MI 49080 269-685-9554 ext. 1562 mhess@plainwellschools.org Some material courtesy of the American Society of News Editors/ MCT Campus news service.

A photo finish

The race for best car in parking lot

BY KENNY HEAD STAFF WRITER After turning off your car, you notice a hot rod zip across your peripheral vision. These are the elite group of car-owners that the general student population envy.

There are many fly rides at Plainwell High School but how do you decide the most outstanding? People argue that the best car belongs to the person who has the fastest car, who has the biggest truck, and who has the most aftermarket parts.

In terms of speed, the competition is at a photo finish.

“The other day Nicky Dunsmor ‘15 told Keenan Conner ‘15 his Corvette could beat his Camaro in a race,” said Kevin Soper ‘15. Soper reflects many people’s consensus that Conner has the fastest car.

“With his 496 cubic engine and all that horsepower I don’t think anyone could keep up with him,” says Devin Cobble ‘16.

Many people think their truck is better than the everyone else’s, whether it goes through mud, looks better, or hauls more; there is always

a reason to argue your truck to be the best. Alivia Conn ‘16 was said to have the best truck in the parking lot according to Parking lot Monitor Larry Ash. “Its the best looking truck, it’s clean and lifted, and it’s a Durmax,” said Ash. How much money do teenagers put into their beloved vehicles to make them worthy of being called “the best?”

Alex Fredrick ‘16 claims he has over $5,000 into his truck.

“I got brand new tires, a lift kit, tinted the tail lights, and redone the exhaust and front end.” says Fredrick. Others decide to amplify their jeeps to compete with trucks.

“My jeep is lifted from stock, roughly 33 inch tires, aftermarket speakers, also with an automatic stepside that come down as you open the door.” Said Brooke Pell ‘15.

Pell added that she also has a remote starter, cold air intake, and also spotlights and brushguard. Pell went on to say she wouldn’t trade her jeep for any car in the parking lot.

In terms of fast classic cars, the best would have to go to Conner. The best truck

“How much money do teenagers put into their beloved vehicles to make them worthy of being called, ‘the best’?” has to go to Fredricks, since he put much time and effort to get his truck to be as pristine as it is.

Overall, the nicest car in the parking lot is Pell’s 2012 Rubicon Jeep Wrangler. Her brand new jeep with all the aftermarket modifications added to it has everything to make just an ordinary vehicle, the best vehicle in the parking lot.

Photo by Maiah Lesher

03 || opinion

the trojan torch

ity, and are not thoroughly researched overall; so there could be unseen dangers ahead. However, cigarettes are extensively researched and are the leading preventable cause of death, disease, and disability in the United States, yet they’re still FDA approved. The FDA is openly against vaporizing, and throughout the past year has only approved two new types of cigarettes, thus sheltering the big tobacco com-

EDITOR’S NOTE: Even if a user is 18, vape pens are still banned on campus because they are a tobacco product (or a look-alike).

The consequence for possession is a three-day out-of-school suspension.

-n

The holiday season “wave” starts with the arrival of Christmas lights, the sense of good tidings, and the much love-hated snow. However, this wave also washes up disgusting human behavior as well.

December is the time of year to sincerely put the needs of others first compared to your own. This time of year gives you a chance to tell friends and family that you were honestly thinking of them. This is usually reflected in Christmas gifts, traditions of decorating Christmas trees, or simply spending quality times together.

December is also the time of year where students of Plainwell High School walk the halls with brown lips, from kissing so many butts. This analogy is not only gross, but extremely accurate; simply because these people are so easily picked out from a crowd.

These “brown-nosers” are the people that have no appreciation for the holiday spirit. They give fake compliments, hand out gifts with no meaning behind them, and yet still expect to be on Santa’s good list. A prime example would look similar to the following scenario.

“Oh I love your ugly sweater! Where did you get that? From Salvation Army?”

“Actually, my grandma made this for me… Is my sweater really that ugly?”

This hypothetical situation seems classic.

Granted, Christmas sweaters made by grandparents often turn out the ugliest. It’s still the thought of if you had a ridiculous Christmas sweater, would you want others calling it ugly if your grandmother made it?

Our Voice applies to the whole demographic of 21st century holiday Grinch’s: the givers of fake complements, the brown-nosers, the spoiled brats, and let’s not forget the Scrooges.

Take the chance to be sincerely nice during the month that is most socially conventional for it.

Photo by Rob Murgittroyd

e

“There is a new trend in tobacco alternatives that is gaining popularity rapidly: electronic cigarettes, or vape pens.”

panies from competition. This shows that FDA approval doesn’t require any thought to health concerns. Instead, FDA approval seems to be based off off profit, since the National Government collects taxes on cigarette sales.

“The lack of research doesn’t bother me, by what I’ve seen, they’re far better than cigarettes. Anyone still smoking or chewing is not utilizing technology to prolong their lives. I don’t smoke, I vape. If someone asks me for a cigarette, I tell them cigarettes are gross and will kill you,” said Nick Norman ‘15. Norman admires the effort to create a way to safely use nicotine in the 21st century, without lifethreatening consequences.

Tobacco is old news, smoking has significantly declined in teenagers and the U.S. is at it’s lowest adolescent smoking rate since 1991.

While vape pens may not be a completely healthy solution to cigarette smoking, it’s no question a safer one, and can help to continue decreasing tobacco use among teens and all age groups.

O c Voi

Death sticks are dead. Advancements in technology gives smokers an opportunity to kick cigarette addiction, and can still get the nicotine without the nasty side products.

There is a new trend in tobacco alternatives that is gaining popularity rapidly: electronic cigarettes, or vape pens.

However, they still have the same legal bar that regular cigarettes do: age 18.

Cleaner, safer, and healthier; switching to vape pens from cigarettes is a smart and available choice.

Instead of burning more than 7,000 chemicals found in a traditional cigarette, vaporizer pens use a battery and coil unit to vaporize nicotine “juice” into water vapor, removing the cancer-causing smoke and tar from the experience.

“The carcinogens are substantially lower, the vape pen provides the same sensation without damaging your lungs,” said Kaleb Hudson ‘15. Hudson is an 18 year-old senior who switched from traditional to electronic cigarettes. Vape users can still enjoy a buzz, but in a way that causes much less harm to everyone, including the environment. No more cigarette butts, no more fire hazards, no more offensive odor.

Without cigarettes, the nasty smell, residue, and second hand smoke disappear.

Not only is cigarette tobacco bad enough for the user, but the people around them are still affected. Secondhand smoke has been found to cause heart disease, cancer, and many other health problems.

Vape pens only release water vapor, they are nontoxic to non-users.

According to a study by The Center for Air Resources Science and Engineering, ecigs do not pose a risk to bystanders, and produce little to no exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals. Vaping is also legal indoors because it’s not covered by Michigan’s Smoke-Free Air law. However, some establishments prohibit it.

A prominent worry about this technology is the propylene glycol, a chemical that makes up the juice. Americans are already commonly exposed to this chemical as it is an additive in our food, cosmetics, personal care products and used for things such as the fog at concerts.

Contrary to all these beneficial aspects of electronic cigarettes, vape pens are relatively new in popular-

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BY COLIN MCHUGH STAFF WRITER

“Br ow n

Pulling nails from your coffin:

december 2014

How electronic cigarettes can save your life

04|| opinion

the trojan torch

december 2014

Out with the old, in with the fruit

BY ZOE JORDAN STAFF WRITER It’s Christmas time and that means candy canes!

Sweet, sugary and fun to eat, candy canes rule the Christmas candy competition.

Today, candy canes are arguably the most popular holiday candy with the longeststanding history.

With the first candy cane being made over 350 years ago starting out as just a plain, white stick, they’ve evolved into so much more.

Flavors from sweet, sour, chocolate, and original peppermint are continuing to grow as time goes on.

During this time of year, candy canes are everywhere.

Some people prefer the original peppermint canes, and some go for the fruity flavors.

A recent poll taken at Plainwell High School of 100 students asked, “In your opinion, which type of candy cane is better, fruity or minty?”

The results were about neck and neck. 52 said fruity, and 48 said minty.

“I like fruity ones hands down! They’re so much better. Mint is too overwhelming, fruity is more candy like.

I wouldn’t enjoy toothpaste as a treat let alone a solid stick of toothpaste to carry around.” says Christian LoBretto ‘15.

This is the voice of many others at PHS. “[Fruity] because I wanna enjoy the sweetness, not have a mint,” said Chase Bryant ‘16.

People that said mint is better argued that it’s the original flavor, and it makes your breath smell great.

“I’d choose mint, because

Rob’s rants Move over John Roberts, the honorable Chief Justice Rob Murgittroyd is presiding.

The United States of America: where everyone is considered equal. Yeah, I’d like to believe that too.

Recent court cases in this country make me believe that I, with only the knowledge of a U.S. Government class and no post-secondary education, could make better decisions to reflect the ideology of the Constitution.

My rant will focus on one case in particular because it is such an open and shut case. This incident

was even caught on video, and there are no incongruities between the video story, and the ballistic story of the actual scene of the crime.

We start in New York City, where police subdue Eric Garner for sale of untaxed cigarettes. Garner is placed in a choke hold, where he utters his last words multiple times, “I can’t breathe.”

Garner dies at 45. The officer who placed the deadly choke hold, Daniel Pantaleo, is stripped of his badge and put on desk duty. Garner’s death is ruled a homicide due to neck compression.

The question becomes whether or not to indict Pan-

it makes your breath smell good, and the ladies love that.” said Jacob Geter ‘15.

Notice how Geter never mentioned that he likes minty candy canes because of the taste.

However, some may enjoy the taste of minty candy canes. “[Minty] because the fruity ones kind of taste like I’m throwing up apple juice,” said Madison Fenner ‘18.

As the survey concluded, no matter how close the results were: fruity candy canes are preferred over minty ones.

The reason? The taste is simply much more enjoyable than an overbearing peppermint taste.

“Fruity. I really don’t think that is even a real question,” said Bryce Bishop ‘16.

Haley Holly ‘16 and Katie McMahon ‘16 phow support of the Christmas tradition. Photo by Maiah Lesher.

...If I ran the government taleo for his role in Garner’s death. The grand jury decides no indictment.

Wait, what? Don’t indict a man who issues a choke hold against the policy of the New York Police Department?

Don’t indict a man who fails to allow a suspect to breathe?

The suspect is being accused of a petty, non-violent crime, and isn’t resisting.

Someone please explain to me how the officer didn’t murder Eric Garner and doesn’t deserve punishment.

Against better judgment, I’ll cite precedent against my own opinion.

City of Los Angeles v. Lyons. This was an incident in

1976 that reflects the Eric Garner case almost too well.

African-American Adolph Lyons was choked by a Los Angeles police officer after being pulled over for a broken taillight. The difference between this and Garner’s case is that Lyons wasn’t choked to death. He later awoke face in the ground, spitting blood and dirt, and wearing soiled clothes.

Lyons lost his court case five-four in an attempt to ensure others wouldn’t face such brutal conditions when being arrested. Lyons later researched that 16 people had died due to LAPD choke holds, almost all of whom

were African American.

When police Chief Daryl Gates was asked why almost all of these fatal chokeholds involved African Americans, Gates replied that, “The veins or arteries of blacks do not open up as fast as they do in normal people.”

Oh, now I see the real issue here. Some police officers are just ignorant racists, that’s all.

It wouldn’t be fair to say that all police officers’ actions are based on prejudice.

However, I could see where some may be confused.

05 || news

the trojan torch

december 2014

Courtyard revitalization is a strong possibility

The courtyard as it sits today. Plans have been made to rennovate the courtyard, but as of now, none of those have come to fruition. Photo by Maiah Lesher.

BY MICHAEL CARROLL and LUCKY HOGG STAFF WRITERS With the courtyard in the center of the school having fallen into disrepair, plans have begun to revitalize the space and give it a new purpose.

“We don’t use the courtyard because of the interior classes but we are working on opening it next year,” said Principal Jeremy Wright.

Student Senate has begun discussion about the idea.

“We just briefly talked whether this was something we wanted to take on. We decided yes, but we figured we aren’t going to do anything with it until the spring time.

So we’ll brainstorm over the winter,” said Student Senate advisor Andrew Hansen.

The issue with the courtyard is what it could be used for at the school.

“I have never even been in the courtyard. I think we should be able to use it for eating lunch,” said Aryn Scholten ‘18.

“I would love to have a place where kids could go out and have their lunch. The problem is that during the school day, having them go out there and eat their lunches or whatever is that it interrupts the classes that face

the courtyard,” said math teacher Darlene Kohn.

“I love the idea of having a courtyard with lots of green and things like that, for relaxing and to do things in, but the problem is you can almost never use it. If it’s before or after school they probably don’t want kids running around out there, and if it’s during school the other classes that share a window with the courtyard are going to be distracted by the kids out there doing stuff,” said Hansen. “That’s where we have always run into a wall.”

If spring weather comes early, Senate can begin work during second trimester. But the class doesn’t meet third trimester. In that case, work would be volunteer and outside of class time.

“If it was outside of the school day then I think that we would open it up to anybody who needs community service to come and help out with it,” said Hansen.

The project is still in the brainstorming and planning stage. Senate members are still working out what they want to do with the courtyard, and what the administration will allow them to do.

“There is a distinct possibility that when winter is over, we decide that it’s a lot

work for something no one’s going to use,” said Hansen.

The courtyard has a long history; it started from cement, went to beautiful, to overgrown, and back again.

“When the building was built back in 1959 they had this courtyard and it was all cement, except around the edges, they had some trees and bushes. By the time I started teaching here in 1976 those trees were starting to become very overgrown and they would trim ‘em up, ” said Kohn.

“Finally we had some kids come over the roof of the school and cut down a pine tree. Which made it look a little bad, you had this 4-foot stub of a tree; basically they killed that tree. I can’t remember exactly when but the custodial staff came in and cut down all the big pine trees...” added Kohn.

“All of the sudden we have this bare courtyard with just cement everywhere, but no trees and just tree stumps all over the place.”

Former Student Senate advisor Bernie Christopher and the science department stepped in.

“The science department and I got together and we said we should probably try to do something, build a court-

yard or something out there.

Everyone thought it was a great idea,” said Christopher.

Senate members and the science department, with help from volunteers, finished building the planned courtyard space.

“Right in the middle of that all being constructed (because it took a few years with just volunteers), they built the new science wing on the back of the high school.

So the science department is out of there, and they don’t care about the nature lab anymore because they aren’t looking on it,” said Kohn.

So the new issue was who would take care of it.

“Well, were never really given the order to take care of it. So that was a situation where some thought that maybe the science department would do some of that.

There were ideas that there could be a garden club, and that there would be community service that would take care of that,” said Christopher.

As time went on, a large number of different groups were involved in the maintenance of the courtyard.

For a time, the Senate upkept the area.

“They did a lot of work, but they were never supposed to be the people who kept it up.

It was supposed to be the science people who took care of it,” said Kohn.

Student volunteers helped intermittently, but they couldn’t seem to keep it up.

“Probably about six or seven years ago, we had Mrs. Tomlinson (former math teacher). Her son was here for one trimester teaching a class and he got kids to rally around and take care of it, but as soon as someone stops taking care of it, the weeds come flying back in,” explained Kohn.

“We tried to get volunteers to come in the summer and it really wasn’t working well,” said Christopher.

The staff even took it upon themselves to take care of it.

“For a few years the whole staff would get together and go out and weed it, so we took care of it as a staff for a few years,” added Christopher.

The lack of continued effort to keep the courtyard looking nice may be due to its lack of function.

“I think if it was something that got used a lot it would be better maintained. But there’s not really a situation or time where it’s super conducive to learning to use it. So that’s been, as far as I’ve seen, how things have gone with it,” said Hansen.

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december 2014

Renaissance High: different than expected

BY DANIEL HOUSEHOLDER STAFF WRITER By 7:45 a.m. all of the high school students in the Plainwell district are in their desks ready to start the day.

Well, not really.

Renaissance High School students would disagree.

Renaissance is the alternative high school in the district.

The students are required to be in their building on Acorn Street from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The time before and after those hours is for students to get extra help from the two teachers and one paraprofessional, or spend extra time working on assignments.

“Five hours and 15 minutes may seem like a much easier day, but our students don’t have any passing time and are looking at a computer screen nearly all day. Trust me when I say it’s not easier­, just different,” said Plainwell Renaissance Principal, Tammy Glupker.

In fact, Renaissance is different from PHS in many many ways. It is technically a high school and is governed by the same board of education, and its students are just kids trying to get their high school education.

One of the main differences is size. It is in a small building with two classrooms so only about 75 students can be enrolled at one time. (Currently there are 66.)

“Another thing that is WAY different is that we don’t have any sports, clubs, dances, or pep assemblies,” Glupker said.

“On the other hand, we do have close supportive staff, an informal business­ like atmosphere and the ability to work at your own pace.”

“It’s awesome and the people are cool. The teachers really care about you and you go at your own pace,” said

Renaissance student Aaron Snyder.

Snyder does admit that he misses the nachos at the main campus; however, Snyder likes the alternative school better.

“I chose to come here after going to PHS for a trimester, and since then it’s been treating me well,” said Snyder.

Although he can’t get nachos, students do have the option of purchasing a boxed lunch from the main campus cafeteria, or leaving campus to get food--although they still only have the same 25-minute lunch that the regular high school has and most students remain at the building.

“It’s our lunch time too, so we all eat together in the largest classroom. It’s kind of like lunch at a business office,” says Glupker.

Although most students at Plainwell High School would envy the option of open campus that they aren’t given,

they also have other thoughts about Renaissance.

“Others probably look down on it, but I don’t. I think it’s good that they can go at their own pace and even graduate earlier,” said Caleb Beachler ‘15.

Although they have thoughts about Renaissance, some of their thoughts may be incorrect.

“When they graduate, they probably get a Renaissance High School diploma,” said Megan Friel ‘15. This is a common misconception about the Renaissance High School.

“There’s a common misconception that this is a GED school. That is false. Our students have to take the same classes that all Michigan high schools required to earn their high school diploma. When they graduate each May, our students receive a regular high school diploma that reads Plainwell Community Schools,” said Glupker.

The way they get to that diploma is unique because of the environment at the school.

“The Alternative is really relaxed, but the teachers care. I didn’t really like regular high school, but I like Alternative better because no one is really judgmental,” said

Macoy Mitchell.

“I won’t say that one way or the other is better,” said Glupker. “What I believe wholeheartedly (and my students are proof positive) is that not every person is the same and we shouldn’t have to pretend like we are.”

Students at the alternative high school work hard to complete their classes. Photo by Maiah Lesher.

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Students learn how to save lives

BY RUBY RAMOS STAFF WRITER

This year some students are learning about the Civil War or quadratic formulas, while other students are learning to save lives.

Many students who are taking CPR/First Aid class are learning skills that most people wouldn’t know.

Topics covered include shock and other medical emergencies, burns, splinting, bandaging, bites and stings, and of course CPR for adults, children, and infants.

“I love the class a lot but the hardest part for me was splinting hips. I want to be a pediatric nurse when I go to college, so that’s why I was excited about the class,” said Nickole Stenzel ‘15 Many students in this class are considering college after high school and might choose a job like teacher, doc-

Eastside Grocery Of Plainwell

tor, police officer or firefighter.

This class will help them to be one step ahead of their training for a new job.

“I love the class it’s an awesome thing for medical.

The hardest thing for me is remembering the steps in order and I want to go into something medical, but my job also needs it,” said Amber Stoneburner ‘15.

However, the skills are hard no matter what one’s path in life. Even people in an office need to know CPR in case of an emergency.

Our own coaches know CPR “As a coach I’m required to know CPR, but the new

class is a good thing and all students should learn it,” said hall monitor Larry Ash. One never knows when the skills the school is providing will be needed. It’s really easy for people to cut themselves or for someone to go into some kind of shock. Just knowing what is happening to someone while you’re around can help the victim and the paramedics.

Some students may want to go into medical profession and learn all the medical terms and situations early, so they have a head start on what they need to know and can do better in their college

New class requirements

PE changes things up

BY SIERRA ROULEAU STAFF WRITER Gone are the days of simply showing up and changing into workout clothes to earn 100 percent in gym. Starting this year, all gym classes at PHS require the completion of assignments and quizzes on Schoology.

Though there has been no change in the actual curricu-

lum, the teaching methods employed have been updated in an effort to exceed state standards and place a higher emphasis on personal fitness.

“The changes will benefit students in the long run and prepare them for real world fitness. We do cognitive knowledge quizzes online and there’s more emphasis on personal fitness,” said physical education teacher

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classes Though some may need it for their jobs, others may want to take the class just for fun and have a good time with the information and be CPR/First Aid certified.

“I like the class a lot it’s very informational although the CPR portion was tough it was interesting, but I’m mainly taking the class for certification,” said Catelynn Stenzel ‘15.

“Learn this class while you can; it’s worth the time to be able to save a life,” advised Andrew Hansen, teacher and Red Cross Club advisor.

Grady Peacock ‘16 works on a assignment for his gym class. Students are now required to do five Schoology assignments for their gym classes. Photo by Maiah Lesher

Doug White.

“We’re in the weight room an average of three times a week. Sometimes less, but it’s usually about three. It’s less game-oriented now. But of course there are still the games going on, like right now,” said White as the class played basketball in the gymnasium.

However, many students are not pleased about the recent changes.

“They give us homework now, like online questions about exercise and stuff. It’s gym class, why do I have to do homework?” asks Kevin Andrysiak ‘15. In agreement was Austin Rohr ‘15.

“We have tests on muscles and stuff. It makes us work hard. I’m not a fan of Schoology, but Mr. White is our favorite teacher, so it’s worth it.” said Rohr.

Despite the minor backlash, these new changes seem to be around for the long run. As other classes embrace technology more and more, it was only a matter of time before the physical education classes followed suit.

december 2014 AROUND THE WORLD News briefs from around the world, and from local places LOCAL: A homeless man riding a bicycle was hit Dec. 6. in a hit and run incident. in Saugatuck Twp. Police are still looking for the suspect.

The city of Portage has started a mass notification sy=stem to alert residents of important situations and emergency alerts.

A Jackson man died Dec. 8 after his 16-year-old brother shot him with a handgun that he believed to be unloaded.

STATE: A Battle Creek women woke up Dec. 2 to find a unknown baby in her bed. The baby was identified and later returned to his mother University of Michigan head football coach Brady Hoke was fired Dec. 2 after much backlash on his handling of the college’s football program.

A 63-year-old St.Joseph man survived a 25 foot fall from his treestand Dec.7.

A Detroit area postal employee is being accused of stealing 2000 pieces of mail. She says that she did it “out of boredom” NATIONAL: A Idaho 2nd grader was given a two day suspension after bringing a toy gun to school, causing two lockdowns and a 45 minute police search.

A 8-year-old student in Wash. was forced by his teacher to unclog a toilet with his bare hands.

A company in Florida is paying the HOA fines of a 71-year-old Vietnam vet who is getting fined for flying his American flag in his flower pot.

Sources: WOOD TV 8, WWMT-TV 3, and Fox News. Column by Alex Beals

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Student requests for new classes become reality

BY SHELBY BOODEN STAFF WRITER You look through the list of classes offered for the upcoming trimester. The list seems so short when your schedule contains mostly electives or independent studies. One by one, you cross off the classes you’ve taken; a couple left and you have no interest in the subject. You ask yourself, is this benefiting my future goals?

The addition of more classes to the curriculum could help solve this issue.

“We try to listen to student needs and base our next year on what we learned from last year about our students,” said Principal Jeremy Wright.

The top two classes which students want, according to a survey by Wright are photography classes and cooking classes.

“I want to see Plainwell introduce a photography class because it would go into depth on taking photos rather than just snapping a shot,” said Tyler Burt ‘16.

“A cooking class should be offered to cook and learn more on healthy foods and what they can do for you,” said Skylar Beelick ‘17.

Not all students agree with just a cooking and photography class. Some say that “life classes” should be available to the student body. It would not only simulate real life situations, but it could help students’

Favorite Christmas Foods

BY SIERRA ROULEAU STAFF WRITER

overall well being.

“A real life class should be offered where we can learn and share experiences about what happens in a modern day persons life,” said Kaysi Sullivan ‘17.

Photo by Maiah Lesher

Some students get caught between pre-requisites and the real class. Students say Plainwell should offer classes that don’t need as many pre-reqs.

“Cooking and photography is something you want to get better at, yet you don’t need any experience to do! Why not offer classes that complement everyday life and don’t need pre-requisites? It’s something everyone can do!” Said Jessica Brooks ‘15.

However, classes are not as easy to add as students might think they are. Adding a class to the curriculum is based on teacher certification, and approval of a curriculum proposal.

“We are bound to teacher certification, so it isn’t easy. I try not to hire someone with only one certification.” said Wright, “Its definitely hard to balance classes and teacher certification.”

History teacher David Clark has created the new U.S. Civil War class, and had to complete the process to get it approved.

“First we discuss as a department. Then I had to get Dr. Wright’s approval. Then I had to write a syllabus and select texts, write a curriculum proposal, and submit it to the curriculum council, which is district wide. Then the school board has to approve.” said Clark The new classes approved for this year are First Aid/CPR, Pop Culture, and U.S. Civil War. “It’s going to cover the time period from the 1970’s to the present; Art, historical events, movies, music, technology, trends, news events etc.”

Based off a survey said teacher Marilyn of 100 students.

Hess about her Pop Culture class.

The U.S. Civil War class provides a more in depth study of this war in particular.

“The premise behind it was, ’why don’t we study these wars?’” said Clark.

Students can get half a social studies credit for taking U.S. Civil War or Popular Culture, and while only elective credit is given for First Aid/ CPR you can earn a certification by the American Heart Society for CPR and First Aid. Popular Culture is still being offered third trimester, in second and fourth hour. U.S. Civil War is being offered third trimester as well.

Blood Drives are the opportunity to be a superhero

08 || feature

BY SARA LEPLEY STAFF WRITER A car is flying down the road and doesn’t stop at the red light, you are passing through the green light when all of a sudden the car hits you.

You hear the ambulance and some faint sounds of voices. You need a blood transfusion or you won’t make it through the night.

Laying on a stiff bed is a stranger with a needle in his or her arm, thinking to themselves, “Why did I do this?” Well, they got out of class, received free food, and are saving three lives: one of them being yours.

Donating blood may seem scary, but it is very important. Without volunteers, many lives would be lost to those who had ever been in an accident or had to have surgery.

The Red Cross Club sponsors three blood drives a year. Due to the fact only 5 percent of the eligible population donates, we can assume that we have an even lower percent of people donating in our school since some are ineligible.

This is a shockingly low number if you think about the fact that every two seconds, according to The American Red Cross, someone in the United States is in need of a blood transfusion Donating is also a very easy thing to do, if you don’t think about the needle.

Participants just have to be at least 16 years old and have a parent signature. Anyone older than 16 only needs identification.

Before donating, students should eat foods that are high in iron and drink plenty of water. This

will insure that you are in top condition to participate in the blood drive.

“I almost passed out, but, when they sent me the letter and they told me all of the stories of lives I’d saved by donating blood; it was worth it,” said Katie Ristau ‘16.

Teacher, and Red Cross Club adviser, Andrew Hansen is the man who helps run every blood drive. He donates his time and his blood to help

“I will never be a superhero...but if I can lie down for 20 minutes and potentially save three lives, then I will.” save lives.

“I will never be a superhero and go around saving lives, but if I can lie down for 20 minutes and potentially save three lives then I will. I think it is the easiest thing to do and I am helping others by doing it,” said Hansen.

“I was so nervous I was afraid I was going to die. But the nurses were very good at what they did and took great care of me,” said Cassidy Morris ‘15.

For anyone interested in donating blood, the next blood drive will be held on January 5, 2015.

Jake Almeda ‘15 gives a thumbs up to saving lives. Photo by Maiah Lesher

december 2014

Resolutions: easy to make, hard to keep

Kristin Adams ‘16. Photo by Maiah Lesher

BY ZOE JORDAN AND QUINN NEWLAND STAFF WRITERS From the serious to the more silly, New Year’s resolutions come in many different forms. Some commit to going the gym more, while others might decide to stop eating fast food. Of course, one of the hardest things about a New Year’s resolution, is keeping it.

Last year, The Trojan Torch did an article interviewing students about what resolutions they were making. Brooke Pell ‘15 was one of those students. Her resolution was one of the more common; to work out more.

“Every day after school, I still run or do Trojan Fitness,” said Pell.

She successfully made a resolution and kept it; however, others did not have as easy of a time.

“Last year’s resolution for me was to go to the gym,” said Merry Hughes ‘16.

She couldn’t stick to her resolution.

“Exercise is hard and I like food,” said Hughes.

Making resolutions isn’t for everyone, but maybe that’s the point.

Despite both bad and good press, many people are still making resolutions for next year, although they do seem to be scaled back.

“My resolution for next year is gonna be to keep on trying to do a handstand. I’m afraid to knock the wind out of myself, but I can do a headstand right now,” said Murphy Peters ‘15.

Others may decide not to do one, or to do one for the first time, a few people have decided to try and keep their resolutions going for another year, such as Pell.

“Living a healthy life is important, and I want to live like that the rest of my life,” said Pell.

the trojan torch

10 || feature december 2014

ta n a S s n o i dit a r T

BY SIERRA ROULEAU STAFF WRITER

What unique thing did your Santa do for you?

Who first told you Santa wasn’t real?

What were your Santa letters like?

How were your gifts from Santa presented?

Will you play Santa for your kids?

Lauren Koch ‘15

Kaitlin Oakes ‘15

Michael Bressler ‘16

Colleen Loftus‘17

Kendylle Wolthuis ‘18

He’d leave an orange in the toe of our stocking, because apparently that’s a German tradition.

And he hid the pickle ornament on the tree and whoever finds it first gets to open the first present.

Our Santa would always put candy canes on the tree.

We’d put the ornaments on, and then we’d wake up Christmas morning and there’d be candy canes everywhere.

Every Christmas it would be a different one of my uncles or my dad.

Santa always came in through our front door because we never had a chimney.

He didn’t really do anything unique, he just brought me the presents I wished for.

I figured it out right around third grade.

My friend. We’re still best friends. She told me Santa wasn’t real and then I asked my mom and she was like ‘umm...’

My dad; he never believed in lying to us.

My brothers. We were talking about our presents from Santa and they told me we weren’t getting presents from Santa because he’s mom and I started crying.

My mom told me because I asked her.

I never really wrote letters, I just gave lists to my parents and somehow Santa got those. They’re in direct communication.

One year I wrote a letter asking for Santa to make my sister be nice to me.

Just like ‘Dear Santa, please make my sister be nicer to me because she’s really rude.’ It’s really funny.

I wrote one in kindergarten asking him for dumb toys.

I always wrote Santa an exact list of what I wanted and drew pictures of them too, that way he knew exactly what I wanted.

Like any other letter stating the things I wanted.

Wrapped under the Christmas tree. My parents thought out and got different wrapping paper and they had their friend write the tags so it was different handwriting.

They were always wrapped under tree.

But that’s when you catch on, like ‘oh, Santa has the same wrapping paper as my mom and dad.

The family would get together and one of my uncles would dress up like him and hand out presents.

They were always on a different side of the tree than the ones from our parents.

Under the tree.

Totally. I want to make it exciting.

My parents made it really fun for us, so I want to do that too.

I think so, yeah. I think it’s a fun tradition. It’s a part of Christmas that kids remember for a long time. It’s an important part of their childhood.

I’ll probably dress up, but I’ll do what my dad did.

Heck yeah! They need to have that experience of someone else, who’s magical and has a beard, bringing them presents.

Probably, but I don’t like the idea of lying to your children.

Photos by Maiah Lesher

11 || lifestyle

the trojan torch

Birdman truly does soar

BY QUINN NEWLAND STAFF WRITER Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a movie that has something to say about everything. It comments on movie critics, blockbuster films, actors, drugs, sexuality, broadway, suicide, it even comments on itself. Birdman is not only the best movie of 2014, but one of the most immaculate pieces of cinematic art of all time.

Birdman is the story of actor Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), famous for portraying a comic book hero, as he struggles with his comeback, a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his ego and his coworkers while attempting to recover his family, his career, and himself.

A movie with this reach could not be successful without the perfect cast. From leading man Keaton, to his co-star Edward Norton, to the Broadway critic Lindsay Duncan, everyone turns in career-best performances.

Not even in his “Batman” years was Keaton performing like this. His character has an uncommon depth. There’s a darkness, a certain insanity, that you can feel bubbling right below the surface. It’s in the moments when it finally does that will have you awestruck, applauding in your mind and either crying or laughing in actuality.

Edward Norton has been dropping performance after award-worthy performance ever since he starred in Primal Fear in 1996. Somehow he has managed to top himself yet again, this time playing the alcoholic co-star in Thomson’s play who can really only be himself on stage.

He absolutely kills the role, creating a character you both despise and love. Watching Keaton and Norton butt heads is about the most entertaining thing in the world.

The way they play off each

other, taking brutal shots at each other’s egos, feels natural. Even in the scenes where you can feel actual kindness flowing between them, there’s nothing better. Watching is something you’ll be doing a lot of, as Birdman is one of the most uniquely filmed movies of all time. It is shot to look like it is all one take.

There are no cuts, no transitions, just fluid camera motions ushering you from one scene to the next with utmost precision. One moment you may be watching Thomson walk up some stairs, then the camera will pan over to the side and you’ll be at the opening night of the play.

The entire movie has a

Image from: birdmanthemovie.com certain dreamy quality to it, from the aforementioned visuals to the soundtrack, which is all drums. It almost accentuates the films sexiness, when the more hard hitting scenes are accompanied by a nice bass drum line.

It does lend itself to a certain silliness, and if it were to have been handled wrong, it wouldn’t be the masterpiece it is.

However the director Alejandro González Iñárritu handles this film with the expertise and confidence of a master, and he makes it look easy to boot. While his previous films were generally very emotionally pungent, they lacked a certain weight,

a certain organic quality. It lacked life, and with it, real people.

In Birdman he has finally corrected this. The world it creates feels real, and the characters that inhabit it feel like real people. You’re crying, laughing, getting embarrassed, and even in some cases getting mad for them.

You feel like you know them, you care about them, and by the end you’re sad that it was just a movie.

Even with his brash and daring directing, it’s his script that really steals the show.

Every line has a biting quality without it feeling as if it was merely written. Most actions feel like something you yourself might do in that situation. It creates a weird sort of relatability, but one you’re willing to embrace nonetheless. Birdman ends both literally and figuratively on a high note. Whether it makes you chuckle or cry, scoff or accept, it was a journey well worth it. It is a culmination of parts, where every single piece adds to the harmony. At the end of it all, looking back at it all, Birdman doesn’t fly amongst the clouds, it soars high above them.

6/5 “Lycra Bird Suits”

december 2014

One for the road Plainwell, being the small town that it is, often finds teens who are looking for something to do, a concert to see, but there aren’t any...right? Not true. Check out this column every issue for some suggested shows nearby.

G-Eazy: coming to the Intersection (Grand Rapids) Jan. 11 Black Label Society: coming to Royal Oak Music Theatre (Royal Theatre) Jan. 16 Motion City Soundtrack: coming to The Intersection (Grand Rapids) Jan. 18 Fleetwood Mac: coming to Van Andel Arena (Grand Rapids) Jan. 20 Reel Big Fish: coming to Royal Oak Music Theatre (Royal Oak) Jan. 22 Marilyn Manson: coming to The Fillmore (Detroit) Feb. 1 Linkin Park: coming to Van Andel Arena (Grand Rapids) Feb. 4

12 || lifestyle

the trojan torch

december 2014

Andrew Jackson Jihad tries out new toys on Christmas Island

BY MICHAEL CARROLL STAFF WRITER

Christmas Island is Andrew Jackson Jihad’s fifth studio album, and it’s folk punk gone pop. Somewhere under the layers of after effects and distortion is a clever, and honest album, but the product delivered is lacking.

This record feels like a misfit, like a teenager that’s trying to fit in where they don’t. The bones of the sound are sturdy, singer Sean Bonnette’s lyrics are by and large as humorous and self deprecating as his past work, and the rabid guitar strumming over upright base that is the character of Andrew Jackson Jihad is still there. The meat feels rotten though. Too much distortion on the guitars, and on Bonnette’s signature voice have sacrificed much of the

unique charm Andrew Jackson Jihad has. Only to achieve a sub-par pop flare in the sound.

Andrew Jackson Jihad’s core reminds you of fellow folk-punk band Ghost Mice.

Other similar artists would be Wingnut Dishwashers Union, and Defiance, Ohio. But, Christmas Island strays far from the traditional sound and is more like “Deep Dark Basement (Space Jam Dub)” from Andrew Jackson Jihad’s Operation Stackola.

The best song on this album is “Temple Grandin”. It is clever and closest to the roots of Andrew Jackson Jihad’s sound. It even showcases a hidden message in the choruses. “Stevie Wonder/ Helen Keller / Temple Grandin to the bulls**t”. Blind, deaf,and dumb to the bull crap.

The worst song on this

record is “Deathlessness”. It attempts some sort of atmospheric sound; holding the end of every other line extended. The sound itself comes across as whiny, and over

“This record feels like a misfit, like a teenager that’s trying to fit in where they don’t.” done. This song could have been well done, but the band’s attempt to make it something it isn’t only made it worse.

“Christmas Island” is nothing special. This record is the

band trying to get their cut of the pop music genres popularity, and failing. The soul of the music Andrew Jackson Jihad writes alienates fans of poppy music while the aftereffects have alienated the dedicated fan base they hold.

This album has a lot of clever lyrics that really mean something deep, and a few of the songs did manage to deliver their messages, however, the vast majority didn’t. The overabundance of distortion and effects crippled the lyricism of Bonnette and removed the garage punk charm that prior records have held.

Knife Man released prior to Christmas Island showed fans that Andrew Jackson Jihad could play serious scores with backing orchestral parts and use all the shiny

Image from: andrewjacksonjihad.com tools recording studios have, but didn’t stifle the band’s charm. Christmas Island is a failed experiment in taking this a step further; and one the band will hopefully see for what it is, a warning that they have strayed too far from the kind of sound they have created.

5.5/10 stars

Guard recruiter guides a new generation down the right path

BY DANIEL HOUSEHOLDER STAFF WRITER

Soldiers of the National Guard were the first to protect our country, before it was even a country. Salem, Massachusetts, Dec. 13, 1636, the first drill for the nations oldest National Guard regiment starts. These citizen soldiers sparked up a new era in the new world.

Just how do you join the Guard? It’s actually quite easy.

Johnson proudly displays his Army colors. Photo from Facebook

Talk to a recruiter at your local recruiting station. The closest one to Plainwell would be the Kalamazoo Armory.

Sergeant First Class Matthew Johnson, is in charge of the Plainwell area for anyone wanting information or who might want to join.

Johnson raised his hand and pledged his life to the United States of America on Oct. 14, 2003. Being shipped to Fort Knox, Kentucky shortly after, Johnson went into it scared and nervous. However, he was mentally prepared because of years of wrestling in high school. After a couple weeks, Johnson was adapted to the harsh environment, and ended up being one of the top soldiers to graduate basic training.

Basic training is a measure of physical and mental state. Recruits with a strong mental state and a lot of confidence, may find that basic training isn’t so bad. There

is a constant need to be alert and ready. The drill sergeants won’t be there to support you, they are there to tell you what to do and drag you down to the point of tears. For those who can face the two months, one of the hardest parts will be over.

“I would love to go back and do it one more time,” Johnson said.

After graduation from basic, his Military Occupational Specialty, or MOS for short, Abrams Tank mechanic. However, when Michigan banned armored vehicles, he had to quickly change MOS’ in order to stay in Michigan.

He ended up choosing generator mechanic. After a year of repairing generators, he switched his MOS once more for ground missile repair.

Johnson did this even when he was deployed overseas from Jan. 2008 to June 2009 in both Kuwait and Iraq.

The idea that National Guard

members don’t get deployed is very much a myth.

When Johnson returned he worked with logistics and supply until the fateful decision of switching over to a a recruiting and retention Noncommissioned Officer, or more commonly known as an NCO. “It’s rewarding, but at the same time stressful. Watching my recruits succeed is a very rewarding aspect to being a recruiter.” Johnson said.

“I chose becoming a recruiter because I wanted to help the younger generation and guide them on the right path. So, I don’t see myself as a recruiter, rather than a career counselor.”

It might seem like a very unnerving decision to decide to pledge your life to something such as the military. It’s pretty much giving up your life for a determined amount of time.

“I wanted to serve, I wanted to be a part of something

so much more than myself.

That and it sort of runs in my family,” Johnson said. His father and step dad were both in the Navy while his grandfather was in the Army.

“I was also in it for the college benefits,” said Johnson The National Guard will often pay members to go to college. Not to mention, Advanced Individual Training, or AIT, is similar to college, depending on the MOS. Those who decide infantry, must prepare to suffer through another basic training environment. Those who decide to be a mechanic, it will be like a trade school. Those who go into the medical field, you will be attending a college based school. All this is compressed into a couple months of study and very little physical training.

Some, like Johnson, find their calling when they follow this path.

13 || lifestyle

the trojan torch

december 2014

fe i L ve

Lo

BY MATT AMARO STAFF WRITER

Aaron Crawford ‘17

Zach Chopp ‘16

Four.

Two actual real relationships.

What is your “type”?

Smart, kind, caring, and good looking.

Brown hair, blue eyes, athletic, and cute.

Would you give a cheater a second chance?

Probably not. Trust is hard to come by.

Depends on the circumstance.

Longest-two years

Longest- one year and two months and still counting

How many relationships have you been in?

Whats the longest and shortest relationship you’ve been in?

Shortest- one month

Shortest- one month Yes. If it’s right it’s right.

Yes

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Mykayla Lutz ‘15

Kathleen Wingle

Only two

Zero, so far.

Like four or five actual relationships, I would say

Baseball player type.

Has to be hot and treat me like a princess.

Needs to be tall, funny, loyal, good morals, preferably handsome and a little athletic

Funny and has to be tall because it’s awks dancing with a short guy. No offense.

Absolutely not! If you cheat once, you’ll cheat again

Yes if it was once, but definitely not after the second time. especially if it was with one of my best friends, then NO.

Probs not. they’re not trustworthy after.

Longest-two and a half years.

Well in middle school I “dated” someone for a month but that doesn’t count.

Longest-16 years and still going strong

Yes I do because when you get that feeling like you are the only two in a room, then that’s when you know you.

No, there’s more to people than what you see when you first meet. Example; I hated my husband when I first met him.

Paige Rachut ‘15

Shortest-one and a half years.

No, I feel like you have to get to know them, you can’t just go by looks.

Shortest-one week

Photos by Maiah Lesher

the Student like to thank Hart’s Senate Jewelrywould for donating the tiaras for Homecoming

Hart’s Jewelry Fine jewelry and repair

124 North Main St., Plainwell 269-685-5274

14 || sports

the trojan torch

december 2014

CPR-trained coaches taking precaution

BY GUNNER SHELDON STAFF WRITER

Nobody wants to see an athlete collapse in the middle of a game. Professional sports and high school sports are both being plagued with players having heart or breathing problems.

Fortunately, Plainwell has escaped this particular trend so far, but Athletic Director David Price is making sure that all coaches are trained for such an emergency.

He said that Plainwell is one of the few schools in the area to have all of their coaches trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation right now, a full year ahead of

such a mandate by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

People do not want to believe an incident could happen in the Allegan County area.

But it’s only been two years since Fennville’s Wes Leonard collapsed during a basketball contest after making a game winning shot.

Leonard was 16 years old and a star basketball player.

But, unknown to him, he was also born with an enlarged heart, which was the cause of his death.

“I feel it brought a lot of awareness to this part of Michigan,” said track Coach Scott Evans.

After his death, many

schools in the area started implementing new precautions such as training in CPR techniques, providing automatic external defibrillators, and requiring medical staff to be nearby for sporting events.

The Wes Leonard Foundation later donated AEDs to all 12 Wolverine Conference schools.

The administration of PHS has also purchased two additional AED units.

Athletic coaches and many other staff members trained in CPR/ AED are now trained to use them, even though the mandate from the MHSAA doesn’t go into effect until the 2015-16 school year.

The MHSAA requirement

also covers only varsity head coaches, where Plainwell trained all its coaches.

“We did it because it’s the right thing to do for the safety of the people,” said Price.

Coaches said the training wasn’t too hard, but it is time consuming. On average, the training takes up to four hours.

Most did the training on their own time this summer before school even started.

Debra Henderson, a Paramedic/Instructor Coordinator, was involved in the training of around 40 coaches and said she was very impressed by them.

“The coaches were great!

Willing to learn, share experiences and work at preci-

sion training. This wasn’t just something to get through, this was a training to achieve and maintain.” said, Henderson.

“I was so proud to be associated, even in such a small way, with an organization that put people first,” she added.

Other coaches already had current CPR certification and so they didn’t need to participate in this fall’s training.

Having many staff members trained and poised for anything has given many people a sense of comfort.

“Knowing, if something happened, we’re prepared. It helps with a peace of mind,” junior varsity soccer Coach Nick Marshall says.

15 || sports

the trojan torch

Winter sports preview:

december 2014

predicting and peeking into this season

BY MICHAEL CARROLL AND CHRISTIAN LOBRETTO STAFF WRITERS SWIMMING Captain, Ben Miller Q: What does the team look like for this season?

A: The team looks like a solid team with a lot of potential.

It is looking really good.

Q: What are the teams greatest strengths and weaknesses?

A: Our greatest strength is our dedication. Our greatest weakness is that we lost a lot of seniors and are heavy on underclassman now, but we have a lot of potential if everyone works their hardest.

Q: Who is your greatest rival?

A: Our biggest rivals for this year will be Marshall and Otsego.

COMPETITIVE CHEERCoach, Tammy Derhammer Q: What does the team look like for this season? For instance did you lose a lot of seniors?

A: The team looks great this year! I am very excited for the season to begin. We

have set a goal of winning a conference title and advancing to Regionals again this year. We lost 7 seniors last year, but we have 7 sophomores who have step in to take their place and they are going to be awesome.

Q: What are the teams greatest strengths and weaknesses?

A: Our greatest strength is our ability to work together.

My seniors are providing a great deal of leadership and are positive role models. We are gaining strength in tumbling skills which is what we need to advance to the State Finals. Our weakness is a lack of back tucks; we really need at least 10 and currently have six.

Q: How do you think your record will end up? What was last years record?

A: Records are difficult for us because we don’t know how many teams we are up against each week. I typically expect that we will be a top three team almost every week. We will bring home a

few wins this season. Last year we finished third in conference, third at Districts which qualified us for Regionals. We won at home, Portage Central, And Paw Paw last year.

Q: Who is your greatest rival?

A: Otsego and Paw Paw challenge us in the league but they are both D2 schools and we are a D3 school so ultimately, we are looking at Gull Lake, St. Joseph and Thornapple Kellogg to get to State.

BOYS BASKETBALL Player, E.J. Finch Q: What does the team look like for this season?

A: Team looks pretty good this year, not many seniors were lost from last year.

Q: What are the teams strengths this year?

A: Good shooters, quick teammates, and fast break points.

Q: What was the past record for the team?

A: Record was under 500 last year

Q: Who is the team’s greatest rival?

A: Otsego is your greatest rival for sure.

GIRLS BASKETBALL Coach, Tim Rieman Q: What does the team look like this season? Did you lose any seniors?

A: We lost six seniors (three starters) from last year.

Q: What are its greatest strengths and weaknesses?

A: Strengths - Athleticism, shooting, passinG. Weaknesses - Lack of varsity experience Q: How do you think your record will hold up? What was last years record?

A: We have a very tough schedule this year so it’s hard to predict, but I believe that we will be competitive each night. We were 18-4 overall last year.

Q: Who is your greatest rival?

A: Otsego is our greatest rival. They have beaten us in the District Final each of the last two seasons.

WRESTLING - Assistant Coach, Ryan McFanin Q: What is the team looking like this year?

A: Individually for the wrestlers I believe that they will do great and win a bunch but as a team we are low with numbers so I don’t know how good we will do.

Q: What are the strengths so far?

A: We have young talent coming in with three experienced seniors wrestling.

Cam Owens, Kenny Head, and James Babbitt are the seniors and we have a returning junior Devin Cobble.

Q: How do you think the record will hold up compared to last year?

A: We only won against one team last year which was white pigeon. This year a lot of kids have already quit but we are in need of many wrestlers to fill weight classes.

Q: Who is the team’s biggest rival?

A: Otsego, as usual.

Out-of-the-ordinary skill from our very own

E.J Finch landing his slam dunk like a professional. Photo by Maiah Lesher

BY SEAN MURPHY STAFF WRITER Soaring through the air as the timer nears zero, the player smashes the ball through the hoop for those game winning two points as the buzzer sounds and the crowd goes wild.

Perfecting a slam dunk takes many years of intense practice and lots of self motivation and such an individual that has that motivation and skill is E.J Finch ‘15.

“I wanted to be able to say I can do what others can’t and its been a goal of mine since childhood,” said Finch.

Other individuals however are like the miracle slam

dunks we’ve all seen on TV putting the ball through the hoop with relative ease.

Cam Hayes ‘15 is one such individual standing at an impressive 6 feet, 7 inches. Hayes had no problem dunking.

“I wanted to do it because it’s cool,” Hayes said.

How does one learn how to dunk?

Failing over and over again, Finch kept getting back up until he got the impressive dunk.

Hayes was just tall enough to get the dunk; no training was

needed.

Finch and Hayes have drastically different viewpoints on how it feels to land one.

“It feels like all of that hard work finally paid off,” said Finch.

“It feels like I just scored two points,” said Hayes.

16 || photo december 2014

Merriest of Holidays, Plainwell style Photos by Maiah Lesher

the trojan torch