Inside... News
Opinion
-Russian scholars earn medals -Evans responds on in Olympiada, pg. 2 diversity, pg. 3 -Departing faculty, pg. 2, 11
Features
-SLUH community unites behind Michael Davis,pg. 9 -A look back at the 2006 track State champions, pg. 8
“If nothing else, value the truth”
Sports
-Track advances to sectionals, pg. 4 -Underclassmen sports finals, pg. 6
The weekly student newspaper of St. Louis U. High - 4970 Oakland Ave. - St. Louis, MO 63110 - (314) 531-0330 ext. 183 - online at sluh.org/prepnews - prepnews@sluh.org
Volume LXXIV
Festival of Miles to circle SLUH track Eric Mueth Core Staff n an attempt to provide entertainment and competition while supporting a good cause, the third annual Festival of Miles, presented by Under Armour, will take place this Saturday, May 22, at the St. Louis U. High track stadium. For the second straight year, all proceeds of the track meet will go to the family of Mike Rathmann, ’08, who was paralyzed from the waist down not long after graduating from SLUH. The event last year drew roughly 1000 fans and raised around $5,000. After the successful meet last year, Big River Running Company, co-owned by Ben Rosario, ’98, decided to keep the meet going. This year, the company decided to add a grade school mile race, which is open to kids from grades one through eight. Other events include an eight-and-under boys 100-meter dash, an eight-and-under girls 100-meter dash, a women’s mile, a masters men’s mile, an invitational boys’ mile, an invitational girls’ mile, a celebrity 100-meter dash, and the Saint Louis Track Club elite men’s mile. The grade school mile will kick off the event at 6:30 p.m. The race will be a road mile that does a loop on the track, heads up and around the turnaround, makes a lap
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Issue 31
St. Louis University High School, Friday, May 21, 2010
around the football track, and finishes back on the regular track. All other races will stay inside the stadium. For the invitational boys’ mile, a time under 5:20 is required to enter. For the invitational girls mile, a time under 6:00 is required. The celebrity 100 will include Andy Banker, Martin Kilcoyne. and John Pertzborn from Fox 2 news, Kurt LaBelle and Brian McKenna from local radio stations, Eniola Aluko from the St. Louis Athletica, Rachel Lippmann from KWMU and Richard Anderson from Big River Running. In the women’s mile, Parkway Central senior Emily Sisson is the favorite. For the men’s elite mile, the field will be comprised of 10-15 elite runners, depending on late drop outs. Rosario was able to recruit several high-profile athletes to run in the elite mile, mainly because of his connections to professional running. “Once you get a couple of good guys, and everybody hears about the event, then people actually start calling you,” said Rosario. Rosario decided to join the race as well, and will run alongside Port Byron, Darren Gauson, Andy McClary, Kyle Miller, Rob Myers, Brian Olinger, Adam Perkins, Tom-
Volleyball wins State!
Photo by Ted Whight
The St. Louis U. High volleybills were victorious in the State championship last night, besting the Francis Howell Central Spartans in a two game sweep, 27-25, 25-10. Down 24-23 in game one, the Jr. Bills fought back and, led by senior outside hitter Scot Metzger, came back for the victory. Game two, on the other hand, was owned by SLUH and its rowdy and rambunctious student section. With solid passing by junior Zak Robben early and often, the Spikebills ran out to a 7-0 lead and never looked back. The victory gives the Becvarbills their third State title in four years.
see FESTIVAL, 10
STUCO Forum plans for next year Drew Dziedzic greater use of the Zimbra email system, Core Staff but also pointed out that Zimbra is limited he newly-elected Student Council because many students do not check their (STUCO) held a forum last Monday e-mails. in room 215c during Activity Period. Even Vice President of Public Relations junior though only five non-STUCO members John Tsikalas proposed that every student attended the meeting, STUCO members could give his cell phone number to STUCO. were able to collect ideas and suggestions Then, when important events such as football for next year. games or STUCO forums were happening, “We didn’t expect a huge turnout. It STUCO would be able to send out a mass was a low-key thing, where we could just text, which would encourage student pargather information for next year,” said Stuticipation. dent Body President junior T h e Tim McCoy. He said that next topic to the forum was in 215c to be discussed show that it was not a big was the alldeal, instead of having the school Runforum in its normal locaning of the tion in the Joseph Schulte Bills. AcTheater. cording to Overall, though, McCoy, only STUCO was pleased with 15 people ran the forum and its results. this past fall. “The forum went Senior class great. A lot of people had Public Relagood ideas. And a lot of the tions Officer ideas we will actually be Pat Buckley able to do, which I thought Student Body President Tim McCoy offers a point at Mon- commented day’s STUCO Forum. was very important, and act that the reason on them the best we can,” said Executive for the low attendance was due to the earlyVice President junior Gino Perrini. winter cold and that people had to pay $5 to Communication between STUCO and get into the game. students was the first topic brought up. “It must be earlier (in the year) and it “Every year I’ve heard that brought up, must be free,” said senior class president and I think its always going to be a problem,” Steve Hoerr during the forum. In response, said sophomore homeroom representative McCoy suggested using extra funds from Ben Hilker. “I mean the grapevine is not this year’s STUCO budget to pay for the always reliable because things get twisted. students running. And then things get lost always.” The discussion then transitioned into Hilker suggested the creation of a the attendance of games in general. Many STUCO comment box. He also suggested pointed to the lack of publicity from STUCO
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Photo by Joe Murray
as a reason for the low attendance. In response, senior class Pastoral Officer Aaron Heisohn promised more trailers, which prompted Vice President of School Spirit Cy Hill and Buckley to both say they have ideas for trailers already. Another issue brought up by junior homeroom representative Ross Hoover was this year’s lack of t-shirts sold by STUCO. STUCO only sold about five different t-shirt designs this year. “I have a lot of t-shirt ideas,” said Hill during the forum, promising to increase the number of t-shirts sold. Next, junior Zach Rauschenbach asked how STUCO planned to run Blue Crew next year. “I have a system worked out. I will have a quote-unquote Spirit Task Force,” said Hill. According to Hill, the Spirit Task Force will be comprised of about 35 seniors. From that group, six seniors will be at every game as leaders. Hill devised this system after attending the varsity football game against Oakville last fall. He noticed that while there were over 50 seniors on the track in front of the stands, no one actually led the crowd. Hill hopes that with a limited number of leaders, those who are not leading will be more inclined to stand in the bleachers and cheer. “It’s more of a cheering section, instead of 50 people yelling randomly,” said McCoy. Then the forum moved on to pastoralrelated issues. On the practical side, Rauschenbach proposed that more microphones could be placed around the singers at class Masses so that people far away from the choir could hear them. STUCO agreed,
see FORUM, 10
Wellness Club presents speaker on organ donation
Greg Fister Reporter he St.Louis U. High Wellness Club hosted guest speaker Mandy Ratz, a kidney transplant recipient, nurse, and advocate for the National Kidney Foundation to speak to students about the importance of organ donation and to offer lasting life lessons. She talked to a group of students on Wednesday in room 215C during activity period. After being introduced by history teacher and Wellness Club moderator Tom Zinselmeyer, Ratz told her story about how she came to be a kidney recipient. “I used to run 9 miles a day. (One day,) I could barely run one,” said Ratz. She explained that her kidney’s failure was due to high blood pressure that had gone unnoticed. Ratz warned all in attendance about the importance of having blood pressure checked, labeling high blood pressure as “the silent killer.” Ratz explained that her brother Matt, who was in college when Ratz’s kidney failed, volunteered to supply one of his own kidneys for transplant. “Anyone, … if they treat their bodies well, can live a full, healthy life with only one kidney,” she explained. She supplied some startling statistics about the truth of organ donation, or lack thereof. Ratz said that 107,000 people were waiting for organs to be donated, from either living or dead donors, and 84,000 of them were waiting for kidneys as of 2008. Nineteen people die needlessly every day,
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see WELLNESS, 10
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News
Volume 74, Issue 31
May 21, 2010
V2K makes tentative steps toward Commons renovation
11 students medal in Russian Olympiada
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Conor Gearin Core Staff t. Louis U. High’s Board of Trustees decided Wednesday to begin formal planning for the next stage of the Vision 2000 building renovations of the Student Commons and main offices. An architect will begin drawing up plans over the summer. During the first semester of next school year, President David Laughlin will propose the plans to members of the SLUH community for feedback. Laughlin said that the step to begin drawing up plans is necessary for knowing whether SLUH can finance the construction. “Really, you don’t know what it will cost to do until you formally plan it,” Laughlin said. “The Board agreed to approve moving forward on the formal design—not the actual construction—but to go out and engage an architect, … to really start to come up with some firm design plans—that then we can also work to get some more precise cost estimation.”
In addition to renovating the Student Commons into a dual-purpose cafeteria and commons, the main offices will be moved to the current cafeteria. The resulting vacuum in the main offices’ current location will open up room for clubs and organizations’ offices. So far there are only tentative designs of how to structure the Commons space. Although plans are not firm, designs being discussed include a book and apparel store near the Berthold Avenue entrance, enlarging the Berthold Avenue entrance for use as the main entrance, large windows on the south wall of the Commons to let in more natural light, a locker room for coaches and officials, a mezzanine on the north side of the commons, and a lower ceiling. Laughlin will acquaint the architect with what SLUH organizations want in the renovations. Laughlin has met with Student Council, looked at plans for the new Commons produced by last year’s sophomore geometry classes, and met with organizations such as Mothers Club and Cashbah. Laughlin
said he gave student groups the same opportunities for input as parent organizations like Mothers Club. In the first semester of next year, organizations will have the opportunity to give feedback on the architect’s plans. Laughlin is not sure yet how students will be involved in the feedback process, saying that with over 1,000 students, there is no good way to involve every student in the process. “I’m open to some student involvement, but we’re not going to have 1,000 students meeting with the architect,” he said. “But I think as it gets closer to the actual construction of something, I’ll be more keenly interested in some student feedback.” After the first semester, Laughlin said he is unsure of the timeline for further plans, explaining that the progress of the construction plans depends on SLUH’s ability to finance them, which will not be known until SLUH has a cost estimate. No construction will take place over the summer.
Coldren re- Keefe leaves 43-year legtires after 26 acy as teacher, principal years
Mike Lumetta Anthony Re’, mentioning Keefe’s help with Core Staff speeches, Junior Ring, Advancement Office Andrew Kastner “ ell, someone else is going to have proofreading, and yearbook. Core Staff To his French students, to wake up and go or St. Louis U. High English teacher open the cafeteria in the Keefe stands out for his Patricia Coldren, English was not even morning,” said senior commitment to learning what she wanted to study in college. That Charlie Stoltze of the deover grades and his effort had been Spanish, but she had left college parture of St. Louis U. to help students accomplish to get married. The idea that she would High icon Richard Keefe. that learning. become “As a teacher, I’d say Keefe has filled a variety an English of roles over his 43-year tenhe’s one of the most knowlteacher at ure: French teacher, B-soccer edgeable guys I’ve ever SLUH, one coach, yearbook moderator, met,” said senior Kevin who is re- dean of students, assistant Mueller. “But the thing tiring this principal for academics, Nathat makes him stand out year after tional Honor Society (NHS) is definitely his patience 26 years moderator, and Senior Projwith his students and with of teach- ect co-moderator. But most the learning process.” ing, never of his students remember “Mr. Keefe is one of Richard Keefe crossed her him for smaller things like those guys who’s big on mind. It his commitment to proctoring in the cafeteria having you learn the material. It’s a lot of Pat Coldren was only every morning or his lesson in tying ties, a repetition, and he really strives for you to when she purchased and read the complete staple of the French I curriculum. do your personal best,” said senior Nick works of Shakespeare while her husband “Right now he does kind of the thank- Seckfort. was attending school and she was living less jobs that nobody else does and nobody Junior Tate Macarthy, who said he in Iowa that English sparked her interest. struggles in French, said, “As a teacher, he really gives much thought to,” said senior Seven years after finishing Shakespeare, see KEEFE, 15 and two children later, Coldren said she returned to school to major in English, having been “blown away by Shakespeare.” Coldren started teaching at SLUH in 1984, after teaching two years at University of Missouri – St. Louis. Coldren has Nick Fandos four years. witnessed six presidents and four principals. Features Editor Over those 50 years, Klenklen has been She has taught over 3,000 students, primarelen Klenklen has been at the center called upon to take charge of various odd ily sophomores and seniors, in American of St. Louis U. High for 50 years. She jobs and crucial tasks around the school. Literature, Men and Women in Literature, the Alienated Hero, Initiation (previously has seen principals, presidents, and col- From ordering flowers for the Junior Ring called Coming of Age), Modern Drama, leagues come and go, watched the Backer Ceremony to preparing graduating seniors’ Tragedy, Expository Writing, and African Memorial be built up and torn down, and diplomas each year, Klenklen’s job has grown. American Voices, a class she helped define noted the subtle changes in “The thing about Helen through her experience and expertise with the boys that make this school what it is. But with the end is that she has these jobs that African American literature. nobody knows they even get Beside helping define the African of this school year, Klenklen done,” said art teacher John American Voices class, Coldren has been will give up her seat right in Mueller. “A lot of that might accepted into seminars as part of the Eisen- the middle of things and renot be in her job description, hower Endowment, received grants to study tire from her position as regbut she’s taken it on to get it African American literature, and in 2006 took istrar. Klenklen was hired in done.” a sabbatical to study and retrace the steps Klenklen assists Mueller of the Civil Rights movement. She has also 1960 by Principal Jerry Sheein preparing and serving dinmoderated the Pro-Life club and Amnesty han, S.J., as the secretary to the principal. It wasn’t until ner once a month for St. Peter International. and Paul Shelter for homeless As junior Nick Fandos mentioned in the late ’60s that she moved men in south St. Louis where, his farewell speech in honor of Coldren at to her current role of registrar. Helen Klenklen according to Mueller, she rethe end-of-year liturgy this past Wednesday, For over 40 years, Klenklen SLUH has become a lot more diverse and ac- has recorded the grades and prepared the ceives warm reception for the desserts she cepting due in large part to her influence. This transcript of every student who has attended makes and serves. see COLDREN, 15 SLUH, having an often unfelt effect on his see KLENKLEN, 15
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Zach Rauschenbach Reporter leven St. Louis U. High Russian language students arrived at SLUH Saturday evening to compete in the Olympiada of Spoken Russian. The students had been preparing throughout the week leading up to the event in four categories: personal information, recitation of a Russian poem, cultural aspects of Russia, and the ability to read and summarize a short story in Russian. The contest was conducted completely in Russian. Two judges evaluated the competitors: Irina Yulyanova, a professor from St. Louis University, and Marina Chura, the wife of SLUH Russian teacher Rob Chura. The judges reviewed each competitor individually, listening and asking questions as the students moved through the four categories. Senior Michael Meyer, juniors John Barber and Partrick Quinlan, and sophomores Aaron Smittle, Andrew Woodcock, Jack Mohrmann, and Juan Pablo de Legaretta all earned gold medals. Junior Conor Gearin and freshman Dominic Lamantia earned silvers, while freshman James Wirthlin earned a bronze. Meyer, who was participating in his third Olympiada, has won gold each year. Woodcock received the highest individual score out of all participants in addition to receiving a gold medal. Of his preparation for the event, Woodcock said, “I knew a lot of it already, but the civilization was definitely the category I had to practice for the most. I did a lot of cramming the last couple days.” Quinlan agreed that SLUH’s Russian language curriculum prepared him well to compete in the event. This year the contest was conducted a little differently than in previous years. Previously, SLUH Russian language students competing in the event traveled to Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. A Memphis high school set up the event, and SLUH students competed against Russian students from Memphis. This year, however, the two schools decided to hold individual competitions in which each school would judge their individual students separately and then report their scores to each other. When asked about the new format, Chura said, “Chances are good we will have an opportunity to host it again at SLUH.” Due to the lack of competition from the Memphis students, Chura invited local high schools John Burroughs and Soldan, which both have Russian programs, to participate in the event. Both schools declined. “(The Olympiada) took up less time than last year, but the road trip to Memphis was always really, really fun,” Meyer said of the new format of the competition. The format for next year’s competition is undecided. Both schools will consider the option of travelling or once again competing individually among their own students. Doubling up on his Russian awards for the year, Meyer also earned a gold in the second round of the American Council of Teachers of Russian essay contest, which was held earlier this year. Students from around the country submitted essays to the contest, and 58 from the advanced division were chosen to move on to the second round. Second round essays were sent to the Pushkin State Institute in Moscow, where professors at the school graded them. The theme for this year’s contest was “Something that is important to me,” and juniors and seniors from SLUH competed in the event. Meyer was one of 28 gold medalists in the second round.
May 21, 2010
Opinion
Letters to the Editors
Race cannot be ignored To the Editors: Last week, a student wrote a letter that challenged us to think about diversity as something more than skin deep. And for the most part, I agree with him. I believe that accepting diversity means realizing and embracing humanity in all of its different forms. But, I also believe that there are times when we must be intentional in our efforts to help build Christ’s Kingdom. I really appreciate the opportunity to engage in this type of forum and the opportunity to have conversations about these issues. I also appreciate Mr. Danter beginning to examine his own feelings about these types of issues. Please continue to ask yourself what stereotypes you have about people who are in different groups. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention something that happened last week. I found it rather ironic that I am reading this letter on diversity a day after many in the senior class decided to come to school dressed as two infamous American gangs—Crips and Bloods. Some seniors could not understand why the theme was so inappropriate and problematic. Anyone with a historical understanding of the social conditions of the marginalized that led to the creation of gangs would not find it remotely funny. From a justice point of view, how were those actions committed to doing justice? The way I watched some of the seniors posture during lunch was so disappointing. If it is not clear, that is the pervasive nature of oppression. It is the pervasive nature of racism and classism. Why was it okay to laugh at the experiences of the marginalized in this situation? I saw students getting laughs at the expense of someone else. One of my colleagues compared the act to coming to school in blackface (something that we know our students would not do). He did not say this to suggest that all African-Americans are members of gangs; his suggestion was more along the lines of acknowledging that the vast majority of those two gangs are either African-American or Latino. If I understand the last week’s letter correctly, the writer seemed to be suggesting that we move to a colorblind society. In theory, a colorblind society should be the way to go. Everyone should be treated absolutely the same regardless of their race, color, creed, orientation, gender, age, sex, etc. Everyone should be able to live his or her life without discrimination. But, the reality is quite different from the theory. Discrimination does exist. Oppression does exist. Racism does exist. I understand that race is a social construction and that I may have more in common with people of other racial groups than I have that is different. And while this is something I know and believe, I have to deal with the reality of the social construction every day. As a black man in America, I am keenly aware of my race. Because of my
race, I’ve had experiences in this country, state, city, and school that have shaped the way I interact with the world. To dismiss my race means you dismiss my experiences. Colorblindness strips me of individuality. Colorblindness does not allow my experiences or the experiences of others that are in the minority to be validated. Acknowledging the differences that exist because of race does not mean that our students or our school will lose anything. One of the fallacies of the letter was the assumption that by trying to achieve a more racially equitable school, we would somehow be creating an advantage for some or lowering our overall standards. I think it is thinking like this that is rooted in privilege and stereotypical thinking. Take, for instance, the statement that “trying to give opportunities to minority students and faculty” or “giving an advantage to people of color.” Both lines imply that people of color have not earned those opportunities. Both lines imply that people of color need help achieving success. There is a certain arrogance and superiority that exude from those lines. And until we examine our own biases, we will never be able to move forward. My role, as Assistant Principal and Director of Diversity before it, was not about lowering the standard to bring bodies of color into SLUH. As great as SLUH is as a high school, everyone does not know that the school exists. My role was more about creating visibility in communities of color so that people know that we are a viable option for education and for employment. We are extremely pleased with the education that the students of this school receive.What messages are we sending about our school and who can attend? It reinforces ideas of the inferiority of some and superiority for others. According to the foundational document, What Makes a Jesuit School Jesuit, “a Jesuit education should aim to free its students to honestly confront the social injustices of racism, sexism, and religious intolerance.” If we don’t attempt to have a school that reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of the community, are we doing that? Attempting to make sure that our school reflects the diversity of the metropolitan area and the country is about promoting a just education. Again, I wholeheartedly agree with a lot of the statements that Mr. Danter made in his article. I think diversity should and does mean much more than students and faculty of color for St. Louis University High School. But, I also think as a leader in the city, state, and country we need to continue to be proactive in our efforts to ensure that we offer a quality education to all. Rob Evans, Assistant Principal for Diversity
Jazz Diversity Series emphasized more than just race To the Editors: As a member of the steering committee for the AIM assessment and an organizer of the Jazzuit Education series, I read last week’s letter to the Prep News with interest. I was gratified to see that this year’s events had prompted a SLUH student to grapple with complex issues of diversity. Given the complexity of these issues, though, I think it’s worth questioning the letter’s assertion that this school year featured a “great emphasis on diversity” with a “major emphasis” on race. The so-called great emphasis on diversity consisted of two mandatory events for students (along with a number of voluntary ones) and a fifteen-minute survey (also optional). In addition, the Director of Diversity became an Assistant Principal—a significant change, but by no means revolutionary. Was there truly a major emphasis on race? The Jazzuit series began with a talk by renowned scholar Gerald
Early about the meaning of music in human experience. The individual class presentations focused on a variety of topics—jazz around the world, jazz and gender, jazz and civil rights, and the spirituality of jazz. Optional events focused on the evolution of jazz as a musical style, on dance, on the heroic life of Duke Ellington, and on jazz and hip-hop. Although some of these presentations touched on the experiences of African Americans and other non-white peoples, by no means was race or racism the overriding topic. The AIM survey featured questions about race but also about diversity of all kinds. If the events of this year seemed an excessively racial program, then maybe that says something about how hard it still is for our nation, our city, and our school to talk at all about race.
-Pax Christi is hosting a benefit concert tonight for Moun Pou Haiti. The concert is being held in the Schulte Theater from 6:00-10:15 pm and will feature SLUH bands Dead of ’92, Ainokeeh, The Orange Garavaglias, Morning View Drive, Papa K’s Blues. Admission is $5
Frank Kovarik
News in Brief
-St. Louis University High’s National Honor Society (NHS) chapter elected its officers for the 2010-2011 school year. The elected officials are: President: John Sachs Secretary: Ryan Koch Tutoring Chair: Will Brennan Vice President of Community Events: Ralph
Scozzafava Officer of Special Projects: Ross Hoover Vice President of Communications: Nick Schmidt Treasurer: Kevin Buettner
-Congratulations to seniors Tony Minnick and Christopher Bachmann. Author Kathleen Finneran, who visited Frank Kovarik’s Alienated Hero Class last week, awarded both for writing the best memoirs. Their work can be read on the SLUH website under the Student Publication gallery. -Compiled by Nathan Rubbelke
Volume 74, Issue 31
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Volume LXIV Editorial Policy
The Volume LXXIV Prep News editorial section serves the purpose of being the vehicle of personal opinion, whether from students, faculty, or others wishing to voice an opinion. All topics discussed in the section will be related to St. Louis University High School. Nothing published either as an editorial or as a letter to an editor should be considered the opinion of the school, the administration, or anyone other than its author or authors. A Prep News editorial is the opinion of all five editors on a particular topic. In their writing, the editors will make a strong attempt to express their views in a clear and accurate fashion. A commentary is defined as an opinion of one member of the Prep News staff, not of the Prep News itself. Every member of the SLUH community is welcomed and encouraged to submit a letter to the editors. Every letter received by the editors will be read and given consideration. All letters must be signed, but the author’s name may be withheld from publication by request and at the discretion of the editors. The Prep News editors reserve the right to edit any submissions for publication in order to meet grammatical standards, but they will not skew the author’s original intent. Also, the editors reserve the right to withhold from publication any submission if it is deemed vulgar, tasteless, or otherwise inappropriate. All authors wishing to have letters published must submit them by 4:00 p.m. the Wednesday before the letter is to be published. Letters can be given to any Prep News editor or moderator. In addition, letters can be mailed to the Prep News courtesy of St. Louis University High School, 4970 Oakland, St. Louis, MO 63110, or e-mailed to prepnews@sluh.org.
Volume LXIV Platform
As the student-run newspaper of St. Louis University High School, the Prep News is a weekly publication that strives to inform the SLUH community about events and people, with its focus on those pertaining to the school, primarily through the written word. The Prep News is neither the voice of the administration nor the students. Rather, the newspaper serves to gather and distribute information for the entire school. The Prep News editors and staff members make every effort to be objective in their news coverage and editing. The organizational structure of the Prep News differs slightly from that of recent years. This year the Prep News has one editor in chief, one news editor, one features editor, and two sports editors. The members of the editorial staff are co-workers and share equally the duties of writing, copy-editing, layout, and staff management. All of the editors share responsibility and leadership of the paper. The editors are supported by a core staff of regular reporters, who are frequently underclassmen. It is the role of the editors to seek out and facilitate the reporting of all significant news at SLUH. While any faculty member or student is welcome to submit suggestions for potential articles, the Prep News is never obligated to publish any article idea; the editors reserve the right to deem any potential article un-newsworthy and retain it from publication for this or any other reason. Our primary emphasis as editors of the Prep News is upon clear and accurate writing and careful editing. But we do attempt to include some visual expression—photography, drawing, technical aids, etc.—in every issue. Despite our desire to make the paper visually appealing, we commit ourselves not to allow form to supersede substance. The Prep News strongly encourages underclassman involvement, and our office on the second floor of the Jesuit Wing, room J220, is always open for involvement, criticism, praise, or suggestions. Without student reaction and feedback, the Prep News could not function. If the Prep News is inaccurate, we will try to correct any significant error in the following issue. Furthermore, the editors assume sole responsibility for the text of news and sports articles, features, and editorials. We encourage faculty or students who take issue with the manner in which the news was reported or find an error to bring it to the attention of the editors, not the individual reporters. This is the platform of the editors of Volume LXXIV of the Prep News.
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Sports
Volume 74, Issue 31
May 21, 2010
Volleyball heads to finals vs. Howell Central Rides Metzger, swaggers to victories over Oakville, Lafayette Andrew Salamone Reporter eventeen players on the team, 17 players willing to fight for that state championship. Seven matches to win, seven items on the checklist. One goal: win a State championship. The St. Louis U. High volleyball team began its playoff run this past Saturday in District play, looking for its third championship in four years. It would not be easy, though, as the Jr. Bills knew that they would face either DeSmet or Howell Central, two of the three teams that had beaten the Jr. Bills this year. As the WeWantStatebills readied themselves for their first match, they had a confident swagger to them that had not always been there this year. They were geared to win a District championship and even flex a little bit while doing so, as they wanted to dominate every single match against much weaker teams. They needed to win four district matches, and they would take them one at a time. SLUH dominated in their first two matches, sweeping Seckman and Parkway South. For the third match of the day, the U. High faced 22-8 Zumwalt West. This looked like it would be a little bit of a tougher test for the Jr. Bills. On paper, it was supposed to be a very tight match, but games are not played on paper. This match proved to be another relatively easy win for SLUH, two games to none. The final opponent would be Eureka. Once again, this was expected to be a tough match, as the Wildcats had a solid regular season and came into the game on a hot streak, having won 18 of their last 21 matches. It was clear that they came to play and wanted
to win a District championship. Unfortunately for them, though, the BlockPartybills came to play, too. The Jr. Bills were the better team, and they played like it, garnering another victory in two games. Check No. 4 on the list—District champions. “We were all pretty happy about the way we played at Districts. We never let up and didn’t really give the other teams a chance to stay in games. It’s only going to get harder from here on out though because the competition will get tougher with every match we win,” said senior outside hitter Scot Metzger. The four straight victories, all in two games, only strengthened the Jr. Bills’ swagger. Their confidence had been unfazed and was as strong as it had been almost the entire season. So needless to say, they were going to come in and walk all over Lafayette in the quarterfinals, right? Wrong. Although the BecvarBills knew that no match would be easy once Districts were over, they did not know how scrappy the Lancers would be. Game one went as expected, a 25-20 SLUH win. But the Lancers jumped on SLUH for to an early lead in game two. The two teams went back and forth, each with their respective runs. At several points in the game, it appeared as if SLUH was poised to deliver the knock-out punch. But the Jr. Bills fell by a score of 22-25. This was the first game SLUH had dropped during the playoffs, and it was uncertain how they would respond to the blow. Although it required the spirit of a wishful, rowdy crowd to lift them past a bad start, the Volleybills rose to the challenge and never
Nathan Rubbelke Staff he St. Louis U. High track team started its run to the State meet this past Saturday at McCluer North High School, competing in the District meet. The top four finishers in each event qualified for the Sectionals meet. The meet started out very interestingly for the Jr. Bills in the 4 x 800 meter relay. Trailing in second place going into the final leg, SLUH took the lead in bizarre fashion. The fourth runner for the leading team, Hazelwood Central, was not paying attention and did not come out for his baton exchange. Senior Nick Seckfort took the lead on this mistake and cruised to victory, giving the team a time of 8:11. Hazelwood Central, a heavy State favorite in the event, dropped to fourth place and risked disqualification. After the officials met, Hazelwood Central was not disqualified and will continue on to Sectionals next week. SLUH’s District, which includes most of the North County area, is the strongest sprinting area in the state. The sprinting squad fell victim to this talent on Saturday as they failed to advance any sprinters to the Sectional meet. The Jr. Bills finished ninth in both the 4 x 200 and 4 x 100 relays. They picked up a seventh place finish in the 4 x 400. A highlight for the sprinters was sophomore Jack Milford, who qualified for the finals of the 110 hurdles by finishing seventh. Despite the disappointing sprinting results, the future looks bright for the sprinting squad. Besides seniors Seckfort and Collum Magee, every other sprinter that competed on
Saturday was a freshman or a sophomore. “We have a lot of youth, and the District meet was great experience for them,” said head coach Joe Porter. “Give it a year or two and they will be making it out of Districts and onto the State meet.” The distance squad had a fabulous day on Saturday. In the 1600, senior Caleb Ford won easily with a time of 4:29. Junior Tim Rackers finished third but received a scare when he fell down midway through the first lap. “I was worried a little (after falling),” said Rackers. “When I got (up), I knew I had to go fast, so I concentrated on getting the job done.” Ford and Rackers also ran in the 3200 with senior Emmett Cookson. The three spent the first half of the race sharing the lead and keeping pace. But in lap five, Cookson broke off and ended up winning to become the District champion. Ford and Rackers, finished a couple seconds back in second and third place, respectively. “I was happy to win (the mile), but I was happier that all the distance guys got through,” said Ford. Seckfort won the open 800 easily in a time of 1:58. Seckfort, the top 800 runner in the state, felt that he ran the race well. “I was running to just get through,” said Seckfort. “I did not feel like it was very hard, but that’s good because I didn’t run very fast.” Heavy rainstorms and slick conditions required all the field events on Saturday to be postponed. They took place on Tuesday afternoon. In the triple jump, No. 6 seed senior Andrew “B-Town” Scheibe jumped to fourth
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looked back. SLUH made it very clear that for the Jr. Bills to handle. Oakville, fired up by a loud cheering it was not going to be the Lancers’ night, section of all ages (including the parents), this was SLUH’s championship to win. did not care that Kills all this was SLUH across the volleyball they court from were up against. senior outside hitters Metzger They did not and senior Ken care how many Siebert, stellar State titles defense from SLUH had seniors Vince won in the past Curcuru, Trathree years. vis Meyer, and And they defiNick Sanfilnitely did not ippo, and imcare how many pressive passplayers SLUH ing from junior had commitZak Robben ted to Division all played a I volleyball role in the winprograms. The ning equation match and this State chamas SLUH won pionship bethe game 25-18 longed to them and took the just as much as match. Check it did to SLUH, No. 5, two to and it should. go. Oakville led Next up in Senior Travis “Doze” Meyer goes for the kill in District. 18-13. Things the State semifinals would be the Oakville Tigers who had looked dismal for the Jr. Bills. All signs put together an excellent season this year pointed to an “It’s all over” chant coming with major wins coming against CBC, Fort SLUH’s way, and it did look like it was all Zumwalt West, and Howell North (No. 4 seed over. Metzger had other plans, however. in the State tournament). This would not be There are times when an athlete coman easy match, and SLUH knew it was going pletely takes over a game or match and to be a dogfight from start to finish. What wills his team to a victory. In the 2007 SLUH did not know was how big of a hole NBA Eastern Conference Finals, Lebron James scored the Cleveland Cavaliers’ last they would be in after the first game. As much as they tried to fight back and 25 points in the fourth quarter and in both steal the first game, it just was not possible overtimes to ensure that his team did not go and Oakville took game one by a score of down 3-2 in the series. Don Larsen of the 25-21. The Jr. Bills had no choice but to win New York Yankees pitched a perfect game the next two games; if they failed to, their in game 5 of the 1956 World Series against season would end and their goal of a State the Brooklyn Dodgers to lead his team to championship would be unfulfilled. the championship and was eventually named Game two was utter domination by World Series MVP. In the 2006 Rose Bowl, SLUH. Oakville never really had a shot, as Texas quarterback Vince Young accounted they hardly led for the entire game. SLUH for 476 yards of total offense and ran for three won 25-16. touchdowns himself as he led his team to a Now for the hard part: win a second national championship against the mighty straight game against a very good team. USC Trojans. For most of the game, it looked like it was Although Senior Scot Metzger obvigoing to be the seniors’ last match ever, and ously cannot be placed in the same class it seemed the season was coming to a dis- as those three phenomenal athletes, he did appointing close. The task of winning two the same thing they did: take over a game straight seemed to be simply too daunting see VOLLEYBALL, 10 PHOTO BY MR. MATT SCIUTO
Felts places 33rd at State golf Nate Heagney Staff t. Louis U. High seniors Zach Harris and Kyle Felts represented the Jr. Bill golf team at the State championship last Tuesday. The tournament was held at Sedalia Country Club in Sedalia, Mo. Felts finished 33rd, and Harris finished 86th out of the 130 golfers that qualified for State. “It was a great experience,” said Felts. “SLUH hasn’t had somebody finish that high in a while.” Both players qualified by achieving the necessary scores at the District tournament. In order to qualify for State, players had to shoot an 82 or below at Districts. Felt made it in fairly easily, shooting a 75. However, it came down to the wire for Harris, who ended up with a score of 82 exactly. “I played solid besides the par-5’s. On those, I had a lot of trouble on all four of them and it hampered my performance,” said Harris. The State finals were divided into two
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days of 18 holes each. On both day one and day two, Felts shot a 78, giving him a score of 156. Harris had a rough go on day one, shooting an 84. But he recovered to shoot an 80 on day two, leaving him with a score of 164. Blue Springs’ Ryan Buerk, who won first place, shot a 143. Felts said that, while the weather wasn’t ideal, the course itself was not overly difficult. “It rained a lot a couple days before the tournament and the conditions were pretty tough. But the course in general was pretty easy,” he said. “It was disappointing, but sometimes that’s how golf is,” said Harris. Felts said that while his ball-striking was strong, in the end it was his short game that was his downfall. But overall Felts was proud of his performance. “It was a nice way to finish my SLUH golf career. I was hoping to bring home the title for SLUH and I tried my best,” Felts said. - Adam Cruz contributed to reporting.
May 21, 2010
Sports
Volume 74, Issue 31
Basebills tame Lions, ready for District finale Rob Bertucci Sports Editor istrict playoffs finally began for the St. Louis U. High Basebills on Wednesday after being pushed back from Monday because of inclement weather. Strong pitching led the Jr. Bills to a 10-5 victory over the University City Lions. Senior Andrew Ostapowicz took the hill for the Jr. Bills in the opening round of Districts coming off of his best outing of the year, a complete game against Vianney. “When Osto goes out and executes his pitches, he can take full control of the game,” said senior catcher Christian Stark. “Mixing speeds is very important to his success and if he can command all of his pitches for strikes, he certainly gives our team a great chance to win.” But U. City would not lie down for the tall lefty and the favored Jr. Bills. The big bats in the middle of the Lions’ line-up tagged Ostapowicz for an early run in the first inning, but Ostapowicz worked out of the jam with limited damage. The Jr. Bills manufactured a run to even the score in the bottom of the first. Junior Sasha Kuebel walked, stole second base,
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PHOTO BY DR. RICK KUEBEL
and scored on a double from sophomore Mitch Klug. In the third inning, the Jr. Bills broke the game open, piling on seven more runs while taking advantage of two errors by the U. City defense. Coach Steve Nicollerat pulled a few plays from his bag of tricks with two outs in the third. The Jr. Bills scored one run on a force balk play with runners on first and third, and senior outfielder Scott Milles stole home for another. With a comfortable lead, Ostapowicz settled in. He threw six solid innings, Senior Scott Milles rips a base hit into center field. giving up only one more unearned run. U. City threatened, scoring next one.” three runs in the seventh, but Klug came The District championship game was into the game to close the deal. rained out yesterday and has been resched “I thought we played a good game,” said uled for Saturday. The RonGantbills take on Nicollerat. “We hit well and ran the bases No. 2 seed Ritenour and look to win their well. But there is always something we can 20th straight District title. do better, and we are looking forward to the
First-year Rugbybills place third at State Ryan Dowd Reporter fter finishing the regular season with an undefeated record and demolishing Parkway United 50-5 in the quarterfinals, the St. Louis U. High Rugbybills headed into Jefferson City last Saturday with high hopes. Unfortunately, the Jr. Bills performed below expectations, losing 10-7 to a strong Eureka team in the semifinal game. Then the Jr. Bills came back to grab third place by blanking cross state rival Rockhurst 31-0. SLUH had tied Eureka three months earlier in the first regular season game of the year. That game was a brutal slugfest, as neither team could gain footing or open the entire offensive playbook in the frigid weather. The rematch, which featured equally unruly weather, might have seemed like deja vu. The BackAttackbills struggled offensively. Usually a dynamic, prolific offensive force, the Jr. Bill back line was hampered by the slick terrain. The backs were unable to complete quick, accurate passes, leaving the Jr. Bills’ counterattack stagnant. Said senior captain Tony Born, “If you look at the games we played in rain, we scored eight versus CBC and seven versus Eureka, whereas we averaged probably 30 to 40 points in dry games.” The team did average 29 points per game in dry weather. “As a team we just made too many
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mistakes offensively, as we certainly had our chances to win the match,” said assistant coach Matt Buha. Although the Scrumbills had their troubles offensively, the defense, with the aid of the weather, shut down the Wildcats’ offense for most of the game. Even with their offensive woes, the Jr. Bills drove to the Eureka goal line several times only to be stopped inches short of a try. The Jr. Bills controlled ball possession the entire game but did not capitalize on their chances. In turn the Wildcats capitalized on Jr. Bill mistakes to score a try in the first half, and they added another in the second. With about two minutes remaining, though, senior Dan Doherty broke through the Eureka defense and passed to senior Rob Koheneman to put the Jr. Bills on the board with their first and only try. After losing to Eureka in the semifinals, SLUH faced Rockhurst for third place. The Jr. Bills went right after Rockhurst and got out to a quick lead. “Our team played its best rugby when we were mad. Also, we knew that the Jr. Blues played dirty. We wanted to get out to an early lead so we could teach them a lesson,” said Born. The Ruckbills certainly did teach Rockhurst a lesson, manhandling the Jr. Blues to the tune of 31-0. The main difference between the two PHOTO BY MR. MATT SCIUTO
games that afternoon was simply the fact that the Jr. Bills did not make the same mistakes against Rockhurst that they made against Eureka. Despite not capturing State, the Trybills still had a prolific inaugural season. The team, led by an incredible core group of seniors, regularly outscored opponents by 20 or 30 points, a ridiculous margin for a rugby game. “They have laid a great foundation for not only our returning kids, but also for those who saw our accomplishments this season,” said Buha. Although attendance at rugby games never matched that of football or hockey, many students expressed interest in the fate of the team. “I knew that support would not be big as far as attendance, and that never bothered me or anyone else. But it was nice coming to school the day after a game; everyone would ask how it went,” said Born. In losing so many key seniors, the underclassmen and juniors now have a lot to live up to the following season. Buha said, “Losing their talent and leadership will be tough but each year this happen(s) in every sport.” With an impressive first season, it seems that rugby has found a home here at SLUH.
Challenger Baseball The St. Louis U. High baseball team put practice on hold on Saturday, May 8 to participate in Challenger Baseball, a program that allows mentally disabled children and adults to play baseball each Saturday morning. SLUH hosted the event at Sheridan Stadium this year, setting up four baseball diamonds along the outfield fence. Each Jr. Bill found a friend and helped him in the field and at the plate. The Challenger players came in two shifts. “I think Challenger gave us a great change in perspective from what we normally have,” said senior left fielder Scott Milles. “When we came, we were all thinking about practice that day or the CBC game coming up, but it made us think about what was really important. It is definitely something that every sport should look into doing.”
Junior Elliot Fish helps a friend at Challenger Baseball.
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No State title: water polo takes fourth
Alistair Vierod, Eric Mueth Reporter, Core Staff hile most seniors enjoyed their prom, the St. Louis U. High water polo team faced the Parkway North Vikings last Friday in the State semifinal. Earlier in the season, North had beaten the Baudbills, and SLUH was missing sophomore two-meter Sam Erlinger, so it looked to be a tough game. “Over the past couple of games, Sam has really become a very strong offensive player, and we can always count on him for a couple of goals, and not having him be there was pretty rough,” said senior Ben Castro. The Vikings capitalized on a couple of defensive mistakes, while the Jr. Bills’ offense lacked the awareness to answer North. The game seemed out of reach for the Polobills until late in the third period, when senior Rob Goltermann cut into the Vikings’ 6-2 lead with two goals. Senior Dan Goeddel put the Speedobills within one on the opening possession of the fourth quarter. The Vikings answered to go up 7-5, after junior John Lewis put the FoPobills within one again after a successful penalty shot drawn by Goeddel. But it was not enough, as the Vikings added two more to their lead in the remaining minutes to win 9-6. “We had a lot of opportunities that were barred out shots, ” said Lewis, noting that had a few shots gone in, the game would have completely changed. Castro noted the same missed opportunities. He said, “Our shots just weren’t going in. We practiced, we were all ready for the game, we really could not have done more practice-wise.” Despite the loss, head coach Paul Baudendistel was not upset too much with his team saying, “After the game, I said, ‘That’s a good team.’ Parkway North was a good team. There’s no shame in losing to them.” For the first time in five years, the Jr. Bills failed to reach the State final, but they returned to the Rec Plex the day after the defeat for a consolation game against Oakville. Castro and senior Daniel Pike led the team this time. Castro was named player of the game, and Pike scored on all four of his shots. But the rest of the team was not as productive, capitalizing on only two of 17 shots. The lacking offense was complemented by a sluggish defense, which gave Oakville the lead in the third quarter. “Nobody really wanted (to win),” said Lewis. Oakville never looked back, and the Polobills’ last game of the season ended 10-6 in favor of the Oakville Tigers. Baudendistel said, “Losing isn’t disappointing. Not preparing well or not playing well is disappointing. And we prepared well and played well. All that came between us and a berth in the championship were the crossbar and the goalposts, about five times.”
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Volume 74, Issue 31
Laxbills head into playoffs hopeful
Andrew Kastner Core Staff ith the regular season over and having successfully gained entry to the State tournament for the third year in a row, the No. 7 St. Louis U. High lacrosse team faces off against No. 2 Eureka tomorrow in the first round of the State tournament. Not only has SLUH earned a place in the State tournament for the past three years, but it has made back-to-back appearances in the State championship game, endeavors which yielded a State title for the Jr. Bills last year. Looking to continue on the tradition of advancing to the tournament’s final game and possibly bringing home another state title for SLUH, the returning winners of last year’s tournament face tough competition this year. “It’s definitely the hardest path to State we have ever had,” said senior D-pole Adam Clark, commenting on the possibility of SLUH having to face No. 2 Eureka, No. 3 CBC, and No. 1 Rockhurst, to claim the Missouri State title. With teams like No. 4 Parkway West, No. 5 MICDS, and No. 6 Chaminade, one of the top three seeds falling early would not make the tournament much easier on the Jr. Bills. On top of the caliber of the tournament’s competition is the added stress of the Jr. Bills having to play away from home due to their seed. Away contests could possibly change the field of play from turf to grass, as it will during tomorrow’s game at Eureka, making it harder to get ground balls. And yet the SLUH lacrosse team is not worried. The Jr. Bills’ tournament experience, defensive unit, ability to catch fire offensively, and seasoned senior goalie Connor Blanquart in goal are all aspects of SLUH that demand to be taken as serious threats to any opponent in the tournament. Also, notably absent in SLUH’s 10-4 loss against CBC was injured senior D-pole and defensive leader Sean Meagher, a leading weapon for the Jr. Bill squad who will return to the Billiken arsenal for the State tournament tomorrow. “We did not match up well against CB(C)... we have not lived up to our potential, but we have players who can score, and if we score we can score in bunches,” said Clark. Clark also maintains that one of SLUH’s greatest talents lies within its defense. “Everyone is confident, confident in each other’s ability and that we have the ability to do this,” he continued. Said senior midfielder Peter McCall, “We’re the seventh seed now... the way we see it is there is no better way to show the State how we work the hardest, and nobody ever died drowning in his own sweat.”
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Prep News Quote of the Week
“I don’t even sweat when I’m being tortured.” —Mr.
Michael Koenigs
May 21, 2010
Nadalbills shoot down JV Lax Stars, gear up for finishes Sectionals second in playoffs T Alex Paino Reporter he St. Louis U. High Tennis team easily defeated McCluer this Monday by winning the first five of six singles matches. The Jr. Bills took all six matches, but by rule the first team to win five matches was the winner. Junior Greg Marifian won a quick match at No. 1 singles, as did senior Joe Murphy-Baum at No. 2 singles. Sophomore Cameron Trachsel quickly rolled through his opponent at No. 3 singles, as did senior Alex Paino at No. 4 singles. Senior Brandon Eversgerd easily won at No. 5 singles, and junior Gil Plitt capped off the match with a victory at No. 6 singles. The team looks to have a good day this Saturday at Sectionals, where they will first take on Parkway South in a match with
the same format as Regionals, involving six singles matches followed by three doubles matches. If the Nadalbills win this first matchup, they will play Kirkwood in the Sectional finals in the same format. The team feels confident about their chances against Parkway South, as they have already beaten them this year, but they know that Kirkwood will be more of a challenge. Nevertheless, the Murraybills have high hopes for this Saturday, and would be thrilled to defeat Kirkwood and secure a top-four finish at State and a berth in the State tournament. “I think that we’ve got a chance to get into State if we all play really well as a team,” said Plitt. -Reporting contributed by Eric Lewis.
JV Tennis places 4th at Edwardsville, falls once Drew Dziedzic Core Staff t. Louis U. High’s JV tennis team dominated its competition this season. With a record of 13-1, the DCalbills are understandably proud of their season. “Our team was really strong this year,” said sophomore Michael Fotouhi. “We had a lot of wins. More wins than last year, I think. We would have gone to playoffs, if they had playoffs for JV.” “We saw some competition, but not very much,” said coach David Callon. “The JV tennis in St. Louis is very weak. Teams were either really good, like Westminister or Ladue, or they were filled with beginning players who were just learning how to hold the racquet or swing.” The team even turned losses to learning experiences. After being soundly thrashed by Ladue (according to Callon, the best JV team in the region), the team desired to improve its skills. They urged Callon to help them replicate the plays and signs used by Ladue, which is unusual in JV tennis. “By the end of the season, every one of our teams was using signs, calling poach plays,” said Callon. “We became thinkers. They were talking and strategizing.” The highlight of the season for the Bryanbills was placing fourth at the Edwardsville tournament, the best finish ever for SLUH; last year’s team finished seventh. “We had our best finish yet at the Edwardsville tournament, considering that we’re playing varsity teams there,” said Callon. “The (other teams) had some really good players, and we played some really good doubles. Not only did we beat them, we just pounced on them.” The Agassibills were very close to advancing to the finals. If the team had won two matches that almost became tiebreakers, SLUH would have been battling for first place. Callon feels that this year’s JV team will help make next year’s varsity team very strong. He specifically mentioned sophomores Tommy Berra and Fotouhi as great players. He described Berra as “(having) a tremendous amount of grit and willingness to win,” and Fotouhi as “one of our most rapidly improving players.” Callon also said to keep an eye on junior captain Tyler Carron, who is “hitting his serve so hard, hitting his ground stroke so
PHOTO BY MR. MATT SCIUTO
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Sophomore Chris Pardo works on his forehand.
hard, and gaining a lot of confidence.” The team reflects Callon’s confidence. “The best thing JV can do for you is train you at doubles because a lot of kids don’t play doubles before they come to SLUH,” said Fotouhi. “So, I think that’s really good for JV to do that, to get you ready for varsity doubles to prepare you for varsity singles.” Callon feels this year’s team should be commended more for its team-building skills than its on-court playing. “I was really proud that we got everyone on the JV team to a Mass and a team breakfast. That was one of the highlights of the season for me. Also, we kind of put some rituals into play. We did huddles before matches and each day having a meeting to talk about what we liked and what we didn’t like about the day before,” said Callon, who gave much of the credit to Carron. Finally, Callon mentioned the team’s gratitude for assistant coach Dee Wharton, who had been fighting cancer in the off-season. “She found out like the first or second week of the season that she was cancer free and we were glad to have her back and have her positive spirit. I don’t know why she comes back every year, but she does,” said Callon.
Daniel Schmidt Reporter he St. Louis U. High lacrosse team established itself as a powerhouse last year by capturing the State championship. This year was all about staying on top, from the freshmen to varsity levels. Coming off of a solid freshmen season, the SLUH JV team, made up primarily of sophomores, looked primed to make a big splash in the JV lacrosse world. However, with the loss of several important players to the varsity team and midfield stalwart sophomore John Jedlicka to a back injury, many had doubts about the SLUH JV lacrosse team coming into the year. But the team’s response to the adversity was nothing short of heroic. As sophomore middie Michael Pollihan said, “Despite the loss of five sophomores to varsity this year, our team still pulled out a great season and proved to be one of the best JV teams in the state.” Rallying around a group of first-year players, including leading scorer and midfielder Daniel Tlapek, fellow sophomore attackman Joe Kusky, freshman goalie John Lawder, junior defender Pat Judge, and sophomore attackman Jack Sellman, the team garnered a fantastic record of 19-2. “The SLUH JV lacrosse team had one of the best seasons and teams to touch the turf since the program began,” said Sellman. Though the rookies were a spark, the leadership came from the returners. Among them, sophomore attackman Jack McHenry played a big role as one of the team’s leading scorers, and was complemented by sophomores Kevin Phillips and Daniel Brummell, both defensmen. Of the many ups the Flowbills had throughout the season, most notable were beating eventual state champion DeSmet (aided by three and four goals from McHenry and Tlapek, respectively), winning the preseason JV tournament held at SLUH, travelling to Columbia to play against Hickman, and making a State final appearance. The State tournament held at Parkway Central featured some of the best JV teams around. SLUH, however, proved to be more than capable, beating Zumwalt United, Marquette, and fellow powerhouse Parkway West on their way to the championship game, where they would face rival DeSmet. The final against the Spartans started well, with the Nuggetbills taking a 3-0 lead at the end of one quarter. The Spartans battled back, however, and took a 4-3 lead at half. Things remained tight until late in the third ,when Tlapek was injured and had to be taken out of the game. Despite showing resilience, and getting a late goal from
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Sophomore Jack McHenry moves to pass against Vianney.
May 21, 2010
Sports
Volume 74, Issue 31
JV Volleyball stays excellent, wins 21 Jack Walsh previous momentum Reporter and rode it into the he JV volleyball DeSmet Tournament. team had an exThe tournament traordinary year, finishwas a grueling day that ing 21-3, and only losthe team had to fight ing to two teams. through. The gym was The team started out hot and muggy, but the season with a solid the Gioiabills battled six straight victories, through the condiwinning each game by a tions, going undefeatsubstantial margin. ed to earn their way The first real test of to the championship the season came against game against rival the Vianney Golden GrifDeSmet. The entire Zach Boatman and freshman Jack fins, in the new Danis Sohpomore team knew how badly Walsh defend against rival DeSmet. Field House. coach Jim Gioia wanted to win the game Going into the game, the SLUH vol- and left nothing on the court. leyball program was undefeated in the new In the final game, the team was down building and was hoping to keep it that way, 24-20 and was on its last life. But led by the but these plans were eventually ruined. The magnificent serving of freshman Alec Abeln, JV team suffered a devastating defeat in SLUH crawled their way back into the game two games, and was handed its first loss of and won 26-24. SLUH JV volleyball was the season. However, the team regained its crowned champions of the tournament. PHOTO BY MR. MATT SCIUTO
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“It was a total team effort,” said freshman Michael Tayon. “Every person on the team stepped up and contributed all that they had. The bench remained fired up all day, and really helped boost the team’s confidence; even when they were tired and struggling.” Two games after the tournament, the Jr. Bills were set to play Vianney. The team tried to use its momentum from the tournament to edge out a win, but were once again defeated in two games. “This was going to be a real test for our team,” said sophomore outside Barrett Pazderka. “We needed to see how we would respond to another loss against a pretty big rival.” JV went on another big winning streak, taking its next six against some worthy opponents like beating CBC twice and Francis Howell Central once. “The CBC wins were huge for our confidence,” said Abeln. “This really helped us solidify a top three finish in the MCC (Metro
C-track dominates in MCC, future looks bright Matthew Nicholson Reporter he C-track team wrapped up a successful season at the Metro Conference Championship (MCC) meet, held at DeSmet on May 6. The team had a great day, scoring 151 points, and finishing 44.5 points over second place DeSmet. “We fought hard. Every point counts,” said freshman Parker Shumate. The sprint squad had an excellent meet, winning multiple individual and relay events. Freshman Alex Groesch, having spent most of the season competing in JV and varsity events, returned to the C-team to participate in four victories. Groesch won the open 200 in 23.95 seconds, had the day’s farthest triple jump, and was part of the 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 relays. Freshman Tyler McNeil, also a regular JV and varsity competitor, won the open 400 in 54.65 seconds (a personal record) and participated in the 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 relays. Freshman Will Bruns set a PR by four seconds and took second place in the 300 hurdles. Another varsity and JV runner, freshman DJ DeVivo, was part of all three relays, placing first in the 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 and second in the 4 x 100. DeVivo also won the high jump and
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Compiled by guru Adam Cruz
long jump on his way to winning an impressive four events for the day. Freshman Brendan Bement placed second in the high jump. Freshmen Austin Smith and Joe Hancock got second and third, respectively, in the pole vault, rounding out a good day for the jumpers. The distance squad had a superb day as they scored in every event. The 4 x 800 team of Joe Archer, Nick Kosiack, Joe Vicini, and David Arredondo got the team off on the right foot in the first event of the day. They took the lead from the gun and never looked back, taking first by 20 seconds over DeSmet. Freshman Tom Laughlin came in second in the 1600, finishing less than a second out of the lead. Vicini won the open 800 and was part of the 4 x 800 and 4 x 400 teams. Freshman Matthew Nicholson won the 3200, Freshman Joe Archer passes a DeSmet runner in an MCC race. and Archer came in second. The team showed its strength in all areas wrapped up the season with another conferof the meet as they scored in 17 out of 18 ence championship. events. Freshman Lane Koch-Etzle said, “It “Our team has strength in many areas,” was awesome to see the team turn (into) said Groesch. beast mode at the end of the year. It was like The LeftTurnbills racked up ten gold, watching a pack of gazelles running from eight silver, and four bronze medals as they lions.”
Conversation Cube
Thing missing most from this season
After this season, the next time I will play my sport is...
Club in the summer, and sand and grass leagues too. Then in the fall, I’ll play at UCSD.
Catholic Conference).” Then came one of the biggest games of the year—the finale against DeSmet. On a very emotional day, the team tried to rally around junior captain Kevin Buettner and freshman captain Kurt Thiemann to lead them to victory, but SLUH fell short in game three. After the game, Gioia was quick to raise the spirit saying, “Don’t let this one game define our season. We had an awesome year, and we need to think about the season as a whole, not just one game.” “It was just an emotional day, and we couldn’t get things rolling,” said junior outside hitter Quinn Pazderka. “The energy was there for most of the game, but we never fed off of it.” “Over the course of the year, I was impressed with how we learned to pick each other up and celebrate together,” commented Gioia.
Track
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PHOTO BY MR. MATT SCIUTO
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place, earning himself a spot at the Sectional meet with a mark of 43’04”. For the second year in a row, a SLUH pole vaulter qualified for the Sectional meet. Sophomore Christian Lukas vaulted 11’06”, finishing in fourth place. The field events were the highlight on Tuesday. SLUH swept the shot put as senior Mike Dryden and junior Alex Cross went 1-2. They hurled marks of 49’04” and 49’00”, respectively. Cross also qualified for sectionals in the discus with a fourth place performance. The SLUH team finished third in the District with 107 points, behind State favorites Hazelwood Central and McCluer. Eight SLUH athletes will compete in eight events tomorrow at the Sectional meet hosted by Troy Buchanan High School in Troy. The top four in each event will advance to the State meet, which will take place in Jefferson City next Friday and Saturday. “We want to qualify as many guys as possible for the State meet,” said Porter.
If I didn’t play my sport, I could have been great at...
Toughest game this year?
Soccer.
Probably Vianney, overall bad game.
______ is the engine that made our team go.
Scot Metzger, senior volleyball outside hitter
Consistency.
Rob Koehneman, senior rugby captain
A State championship.
Hopefully seven’s tournament this summer, if not then SLU next fall.
Call of Duty.
Both Eureka games.
The captains’ dedication
Kyle Felts, senior golf state qualifier
A tournament victory.
Everyday this summer.
I would have been better at hockey.
MCC tournament.
Getting to state
Alex Goedeker, senior designated hitter
An MCC championship.
Hopefully a week later with the Ballwin dynasty, the Angels.
Gymnastics. I’m very flexible.
First game against CBC. We didn’t come ready to play.
Doze knows
Scott Milles, our lineup’s sparkplug
Sports Feature 8 How four athletes changed Sprinting into the SLUH track and their athletic careers since record books
May 21, 2010
Volume 74, Issue 31
Photo courtesy of the 2006 Dauphin yearbook
Nathan Rubbelke, Nate Heagney Staff our years ago, on a sweltering summer day at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. four St. Louis U. High track athletes set a record that not only helped the team to a State championship, but altered the perception of SLUH track. The 4 x 200 relay team, made up of then seniors Paul Chaney, Stephen Simmons, and Eric Hunt—all 2006 graduates—and freshman Ronnie Wingo’ 09, set the state record that helped to propel SLUH to their first ever team State championship. Entering the spring of 2006, Chaney and Simmons had already cemented their respective places in SLUH sprinter history. Chaney finished first in the 100 and 200 in the state during his junior season. As Chaney entered his senior season, he looked primed to defend his individual State titles, while also helping SLUH to contend for the team title. But Chaney wasn’t the only one making noise on the SLUH sprint squad. During the 2003 season, it was the freshman Simmons, not Chaney who was SLUH’s lone sprinter at the state meet. But with the emergence of Chaney, Simmons was no longer the most decorated SLUH sprinter. However, that did not stop him from having outstanding success on the track. In the 2005 State meet, Simmons placed all-State in three events. He finished 4th and 7th in the 100 and 200, respectively along with a runner-up finish in the 300 hurdles. The duo of Simmons and Chaney was no slouch on the football field either, where Simmons started as a running back and Chaney as a quarterback. “It was the most speed I have seen in my 31 years here,” said head football coach Gary Kornfeld. Simmons and Chaney helped lead the team to a district playoff birth, but the Jr. Bills fell short against the Jeremy Maclin-led Pioneers of Kirkwood. The loss erased SLUH’s hopes of a State championship and devastated Simmons and Chaney. But it also motivated them all the more to finally secure the State championship in track. In order to help make that goal a reality, Simmons and Chaney recruited their friend and football teammate, Hunt, to join the track squad. Hunt was a star defensive back and wide receiver on the football team, as well as a guard on the basketball team. But he had never run track. However, as he entered the final semester of his senior year, Hunt still had not realized his ultimate goal—winning a State championship. “I had given the SLUH athletic department four years of my life and I wanted something to show for it other than the great friends I made,” said Hunt. Chaney and Simmons knew that Hunt could be the final piece to secure their State victory. “We told him, ‘If you run we are going to win State. Hands down, we are going to win. You don’t have to worry about anything else.’ And that’s exactly what happened,” said Simmons. Hunt’s impact was immediately obvious. “He was a natural leader in workouts, so when he stepped in and started taking the baton, it was like he had been there for four years,” said Linhares. The final member of the team was the freshman phenom, Wingo.
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“I met (Ronnie) when he was in 8th grade in summer track,” said Simmons. “He was already a good athlete. He already had all his talent. It was all about him putting forth the effort.” “Although Ronnie was new to us, everybody knew he was fast. He had some track (experience). He was very young and it was very ‘Point me in the right direction coach and I’ll do whatever you want,’” said Linhares. From left, Hunt, Wingo, Simmons, and Chaney accept their first place award in the 4 x 200 relay. Since it was the other three seniors’ last opportunity for a championship, “After (the KU relays) we were riding pretty high, and Wingo knew there was a lot of pressure on him to succeed, we were focused. We (knew we) could get the job done,” but he felt he was up to the task. said Hunt. “Man, it was really fun, but it was also hard to live off Riding the momentum from the decisive victory in Kanthe expectations. They were trying to go out on top and win sas, the team rolled through the rest of the season, losing only State in their last year. I was just going in and trying to get to Illinois state power Cahokia at the Clayton invitational. better each and every day,” said Wingo. The squad entered the State meet feeling confident. The squad entered the season with the attitude of a team “We went into State knowing we were going to win the ready to dominate—and dominate they did. 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 without any question. (We were going “We had camaraderie. It was like we had a confidence to) set the record in the 4 x 200 and win the 4 x 400. That that was unbelievable. I had never seen that at SLUH until was set in stone,” said Simmons. that 2006 season. And I am talking about the entire team, During day one of the meet, which is broken up into two not just the 4 x 200 team,” said Chaney. days—preliminaries and finals—the SLUH 4 x 200 team Linhares noted that the team had a presence that in- ran a time of 1:26:11, breaking the State record. While the timidated other schools before the race even began. team expected to do well, breaking the record was a very “They would be walking around ready to go for a 4 x important milestone. 200 and they just looked like they were from some European The finals started off well, with SLUH taking three of track team. They looked the part and they had an aura about the four top spots in the open 100. As expected, Chaney them,” said Linhares. finished first while Simmons came in third and Wingo While the team was strictly business on the track, they finished fourth. Then, in the 4 x 200, the team finished first had their fair share of laughs off of it. again, falling just short of their record set the previous day. “We were just having fun, really. We just out there However, as Simmons ran his leg of the relay, he felt a sharp running, clowning and looking at girls; just enjoying the pain in his right hamstring a few feet before his handoff. end of our careers, really,” said Simmons. Simmons was later diagnosed with a torn hamstring which Simmons said a lot of jokes were played at the expense would keep him out of the remaining events for the day and of Wingo, ranging from name-calling to hiding his track effectively ended his track career. spikes. “Anything we could think of, we would do,” said “As he got to the handoff, he was done. If the race had Simmons. been another 10 meters, I don’t know that he would have Entering their meets with the motto “Let’s race,” the made it,” said Linhares. team got off to a blistering start, winning its first several The meet came down to the 4 x 400 meter relay which meets. would determine if SLUH or Raytown South would be the In mid-April, the then-undefeated squad got a chance state champion. to compete against other top teams in the Midwest in the Brennan ran the first leg of the race for SLUH, and Kansas University Relays. SLUH won the 4 x 100, 4 x 200, while he stayed with the pack, SLUH stood in seventh 4x 400 and the 4 x 1 mile. The 4 x 200 team set a KU Relays place when he handed the baton to Hunt. Hunt took SLUH record that still holds today. from seventh to third, barely behind the leader. Usually, SLUH received valuable performances from junior Ryan Simmons would have run the third leg, but because of his Brennan on the sprint relays. Brennan’s stellar performance injury, junior Pete Kidd was thrust into the race that would was one of many that year as he spent a lot of time running decide the state championship. with the 4 x 200 filling in for Wingo. Kidd fought valiantly, and though he dropped to seventh place, he never gave up, giving the state’s fastest man, Chaney, a chance to bring home the State championship. “The key to that team was a lot of guys who weren’t really well known did a great, great job,” said Athletic Director Dick Wehner. “The non-identifiable athletes, if it wasn’t for those guys, we wouldn’t have won a state championship.” “I was kind of just sitting in the bleachers and didn’t want to watch,” said Simmons. Because of a miscalculation by Porter, the team was told they needed third place to win the meet, when in actuality they only needed fourth. But in the end it didn’t matter. Chaney chased down four runners to finish in third place—a remarkable comeback that gave SLUH its first ever track State championship. “We had been talking about a State championship for a while,” said Chaney. “We just gave it our all and made it happen.” The championship proved that SLUH was more than a school for only distance runners. “For the last (seven) years we have had one of the elite sprinters in the St. Louis area,” said Linhares. “I think that group really did change St. Louis U. High track.” From left, Simmons, Chaney, Wingo, and an opposing runner break out of the starting blocks and get off to the races at the 2006 State meet. Photo courtesy of the 2006 Dauphin yearbook
see TRACK 2006, 9
Feature SLUH unites in support of Davis May 21, 2010
Volume 74, Issue 31
9
Individuals help pay for security guard’s stepson’s funeral
Eric Lewis 31 but are still investigating the homicide. According to Core Staff Davis, who hopes that the investigation will find the culprit n the afternoon of April 20, Joe Rankin, administra- soon, the police “have a stronger lead than they did in the tive director of facilbeginning.” ities, sent an e-mail con Davis continued, “My taining a thank you letter wife and I, we both feel like from nighttime security we’d just want closure. At guard Mike Davis to the least you would know who Mothers Club, Cashbah did it and that (they) would organizers, and all faculty, just pay the cost for the staff, and students of St. crime that they did. There’s Louis U. High. In his letno telling how many times ter, Davis wrote, “Thank they’ve done it or how you so much for helping many times they’ll do it us (he and his wife) pay again. You would feel a lot for the burial of my son better knowing this person Rufus Rowe Jr. Without was caught and he, she— you, I would not have whoever it is—wouldn’t be been able to bury him.” able to hurt anyone else.” I imagine that most In the aftermath of people did as I did and the incident, Davis found quickly read the e-mail himself struggling not only before going on with their with the unexpected cost of day. Later though, I thought a funeral for his uninsured about the e-mail and wonstep-son but also with the dered just what the story issue of who should care behind it was. My curiosity for Rowe’s two children. led me to the security booth Rowe’s 15-year-old son on the Oakland parking lot De’Andre now lives with to talk to Davis. his maternal grandparents, Rowe, Davis’ 31-yearand his seven-year-old old stepson, died as a vicdaughter Keisha lives with tim of an armed robbery her mother. and carjacking near the Davis received an estiintersection of Goodfelmate from Ronald L. Jones low Boulevard and Selber Funeral Chapel as well as a Security Guard Mike Davis in the Oakland lot security booth Court in north St. Louis on March 29. Davis and his wife donations envelope with which to bridge the gap between LaVaunce drove to the St. Louis City Morgue that night to what his family could afford and the actual cost of a funeral. identify Rowe’s body. The envelope circulated through SLUH’s faculty, and upon “It’s an experience I wouldn’t like to see anyone go request, Rankin sent the envelope to both the Mothers Club through,” said Davis of the ordeal. “I really wouldn’t. It’s and Student Council (STUCO). not a real pleasant experience there, especially for the mother “The death of a child isn’t something that most people and father. It’s unbelievable.” plan for,” said Rankin, the unintentional coordinator of Police found the burnt-out shell of Rowe’s car on March SLUH’s charitable efforts in this situation.
“Most people are worried about their cars or their rent or their utilities, things like that,” Rankin continued. “And they just don’t have $5,000 out there to take out of a bank and send to a place like that.” “The security and the maintenance staff, they are a huge help for Mothers Club,” said Mothers Club President Chris Myers, who made the decision to make a donation from Mothers Club funds. “And this was just a small way that we could give a little bit back.” STUCO’s own initiative was headed by senior James Fister, vice president for pastoral affairs. Fister does work grant with Secretary to the President Kim Walsh on the third floor and first heard Davis’ story when he brought the envelope to Rankin during the week after the murder. “At the next STUCO meeting, we had a budget report, and we had a lot of extra cash left over, and we came up with the idea. We got in contact with Mr. Rankin and said, ‘You’re covered. Whatever’s left over (STUCO will pay),’” said Fister. “First of all, no parent should have to bury their child,” Fister continued, explaining why Davis’s plight caught his attention. “And then the fact that this person gives so much to SLUH, helps so much, for his family not to have enough money to pay for funeral costs and burial, not only did my heart go out to him, but I felt like there was something that SLUH needed to do like a family, not just for its students, but for its faculty.” Through the concerted efforts of various branches of the SLUH community, encompassing students, parents, administration, faculty, and staff, Davis paid for his stepson’s funeral, which took place on April 10 and which several faculty members attended. “I really can’t express the feeling when you have nice people that really show their concern and step in and help you,” said Davis. “It’s real touching, because let me say it again, it comes from, still comes from prayer. … He answered again, and that’s in my heart and my wife’s heart.” “You take that sensitivity of knowing that a person has a need and you try not to magnify it by shining a light on it, but you try to help him or her in a situation without a light,” said Rankin, who initially was wary of an interview. “And those are the things that people appreciate, being able to have that help but without having the spotlight on them and having everyone say, ‘Oh my gosh, look at what we did for you.’ That was, to him, a benefit.”
Hunt suffered his third career concussion. “(I decided) to forgo my senior year and make sure my brain works for the rest of my life,” said Hunt, who added that he enjoyed his career at Brown. “It was a good experience and I learned a lot of stuff from it and I would definitely do it again.” Hunt was approached by the track coaches at Brown, but turned down their offers to get back out to the track, focusing on school work. Wingo went on to win State in the 100 and 200 his senior year of high school, but SLUH never won a state championship after his freshman season. Wingo is coming off of a successful year at the University of Arkansas, where as a true freshman running back, he rushed for three touchdowns.
“It went well. I think I could’ve done a little bit more. It was a pretty good year,” said Wingo, who hopes to earn a starting spot next season. With regards to track, Wingo said that while he wanted to participate at Arkansas, it wasn’t entirely his decision. “I wanted to run, I still do, but the coaching staff doesn’t want me to,” said Wingo. While only Chaney still actively participates in track, all four remember their days on the SLUH track team with fondness, especially the State championship. “Just to end the way it did ... winning the State championship was special,” said Simmons. “I’ll remember it forever,” said Hunt. “It was an awesome way to close the book.”
O
2006 Track
(from 8) “It was a great way to end our senior season. It set up great things for the future,” said Simmons. After high school, all four went on to play division one college football: Wingo at Arkansas, Simmons at Northwestern, Chaney at Iowa, and Hunt at Brown. Simmons has been plagued by injury throughout his college career. He entered his freshman season still rehabbing from his hamstring tear at the state track meet and ended up red-shirting. But as he recovered, Simmons grew used to the system and his playing time grew. He entered this past year as the starting tailback for the Wildcats. However, an ankle injury midway through the season caused him to miss several games and Simmons never saw his playing time come back up after that. Simmons, barring another injury, is hoping for a breakout senior finale. “I feel if I don’t get hurt, it’s going to be a real good season,” said Simmons. Chaney just wrapped up his junior football season which was also marred by injuries. Playing at wide receiver, Chaney tore his ACL in the sixth game of the season, forcing him to miss the remainder of the year. Chaney also has had the opportunity to run track at Iowa, where he has enjoyed a lot of success. “The Iowa football coaching staff supported me (in track), so it was an easy transition,” noted Chaney. Chaney has run the 100 and 200 at Iowa as well as anchoring the 4 x 100 relay team. The injury has forced Chaney to sit out the current track season, but he is looking forward to next year. “Next season (at Iowa) is going to be like my senior year at SLUH,” said Chaney. Like Simmons and Chaney, Hunt dealt with his share of injuries while playing college football. In his junior season,
photo by eric lewis
Luongo wins Hobey Baker
The Hobey Baker Award is given to the player who best imitates Baker’s example through his leadership on his high school team. This year, the Jr. Bills’ recipient of the Hobey Baker Award was senior captain Phil Luongo. A forward on this year’s team, Luongo netted five goals and played with sportsmanship, leading the team to the State semifinals.
photo by mr. matt sciuto
10
News
Volume 74, Issue 31
Festival
(from 1) my Schmitz, Orey Smith, Dan Strackeljahn, James Strang and Durian Ullrey. Notable runners who are contending for the victory include Myers, who has run a 3:53 mile and is the two-time 1500 meter National Champion, and Ullery, who has run 3:57 in the mile. Rosario has the slowest PR in the field, but is still hoping to break the four-minute barrier. “This is (my) 20th week in a row training for this event, and I feel very ready,” he said. “The way that his training is going right now, he’s definitely an under-four contender,” said SLUH head track coach Joe Porter, who is helping Rosario train for the mile. Porter is excited about the race in general, saying, “The elite mile is just so exciting to have so many fast guys in the field. Pretty much everybody but Ben has broken four or run four-flat in the mile.” The winner will receive $1,000, a bonus thousand if they break 4:00, and another bonus thousand if they break the meet record of 3:55 set by Leo Manzano last year. The funds for the prize money will be provided by the Big River Running store. The five dollars at the door go straight to the Rathmann family, as well as all conces-
WELLNESS
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while their deaths might have been averted by a timely donation or two. There are about 31,000 organ transplants every year, from 13,000 donors. One kidney, a section of a liver, one lung, skin, and parts of the pancreas are among the organs that can be donated. Organs extracted from a dead body are still able to be transplanted up to 24 hours after the time of death. About 75% of all these organs go to children age 15 or younger, particularly newborn infants. The closer to death the possible recipient is, the sooner they will receive the organ that their body needs. Approximately 17,420 people died in 2008 from organ failures, and every 10 minutes another person is added to the organ waiting list. Ratz explained that to the SLUH community as Catholics, the mission of organ donation is “a big sign of love and sacrifice.” She quoted Pope John Paul II’s official teachings on organ donation, wherein he stated that to donate on organ is “a challenge of faith and courage.” To those skeptical few who are worried
Volleyball
sion profits and donations. Those who cannot make the event but still want to donate to the Rathmanns, can send a check to the Festival of Miles. Rosario has tried to advertise and promote the event by creating a website and posters, telling all customers at Big River Running, sending a newsletter to 10,000 people, and emailing high school coaches. Rosario also has spoken about the event on KFNS, Fox 2 (twice this week), and KTRS. Rosario hopes that the amount of press will lead to a higher attendance, which will greatly benefit the Rathmann family’s needs. “Five thousand wasn’t bad, but we definitely want to go above that … If we could (raise) $7000 or more, I think I would be pretty happy,” said Rosario. Porter has higher hopes, saying, “We’re hoping for 2000 people on the track and $10,000.” “I think its going to be fun just having the whole atmosphere, having a lot of the SLUH runners from cross country and track there,” said senior Bill Gabler. “St. Louis is a cool running city. I think people are really starting to get into it, and I think people are going to be packing the stands.” The first event starts at 6:30 Saturday night, and the elite mile will begin around nine. about the care that doctors take to the bodies of donors, or are nervous about being a living donor for various reasons, Ratz would simply ask in response, “What if you needed a transplant? Would you accept an organ? Then why not give one?” Ratz said that she was lucky because her brother was willing to be her donor, but many people are not as fortunate. Ratz also emphasized how it is crucial that we, as high school students, can make a difference. “To be an organ donor is not just having the back of your driver’s license signed,” she explained. “It’s about talking to your family about it.” She said that teenagers play a crucial role as donors as well because of the damages teenagers inflict upon themselves through acts like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or simply driving recklessly. The website for the United Network of Organ Sharing, unos. org, gives further information about organ donation for teens. She concluded with information about the 2012 Kidney walk, which last year raised more than $50,000 for organ donation, and
(from 4) incredibly strong implications for his team. Down 18-13 in the third game, on the verge of losing the match and watching the dream of a State title disappear, Metzger decided to take things into his own hands. Metzger went on a serving tear, smashing serve after serve right down Oakville’s throats. His serves completely disrupted their passing and they had no answer for him. After five straight points, SLUH had tied it up. But Metzger was far from done. He reeled off three straight aces and made it clear that this was SLUH’s night. In total, he led SLUH on an 8-0 run that eventually won the final game 25-19. In the 2010 Missouri state volleyball semifinals, Metzger took over game three and put his team on his back by sparking an 8-0 run. Check # 6. One more to go. Just 1 match more. “Scot’s serving run was unbelievable,” Siebert said. “We knew things weren’t over yet, but our chances of winning didn’t look good at all at that point. A serving run like that with three aces is great enough by itself. But under the circumstances that it came
this year hopes to raise even more. Ratz said, “If you don’t remember anything else from this talk, remember this: Always wear a seatbelt, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drink at least 8 full glasses of water every day, and go to the bathroom right when you need to.” Zinselmeyer said he invited Ratz to speak to students because her message is in tune with the Wellness Club’s mission: mental, social, spiritual and physical health, all of which Ratz touched on. Zinselmeyer was impressed with the “tremendous turnout for a Wednesday activity period.” He was encouraged to see Assistant Principal for Student Life Brock Kesterson, Principal John Moran, the Wellness Club’s co-moderator, Scott Gilbert, and many students he did not recognize in attendance, although he did offer extra credit to sophomores in his Global History II class for attending. “I would most definitely (invite guest speakers like Ratz) in the future,” Zinselmeyer said, “because our job is to keep kids informed about all kinds of health.”
www.student.sluh.org/prepnews - prepnews@sluh.org
Volume LXXIV, Issue 31 Credits
Editor in Chief: Matt Bettonville News Editor: Ben Kim Sports Editors: Adam Cruz, Rob Bertucci Features Editor: Nick Fandos Core Staff: Luke Chellis, Drew Dziedzic, Conor Gearin, Eric Lewis, Mike Lumetta, Andrew Kastner, Eric Mueth, Staff: Nate Heagney, Nathan Rubbelke Reporters: Tommy Behr, Brendan Bement, Connor Blanquart, Jacob Born, Ryan Bothmann, Andrew Brady, Sam Bufe, Will Bufe, Chad Carson, Tim Coleman, Matt Cooley, Joe Culver, Ryan Dowd, Joe Earsom, Brandon Eversgerd, Kyle Felts, Jake Fetcher, Greg Fister, Caleb Ford, Matt Geisman, Brendan Giljum, Rob Golterman, Danny Hogan, Joe Jedlicka, David Kirner, Kevin Kimes, Joe Klein, Tim Leible, Griffin Lowry, Michael Mayberger, Michael
McLaughlin, Mike McVey, Danny Meehan, Joe Merrill, Mark Messmer, Scot Metzger, Joe Moran, Patrick Mulligan, Joe O’Brien, Alex Paino, Kurt Piening, Justin Ramiciotti, Zach Rauschenbach, Edward Rolwes, John Sachs, Andrew Salamone, Frank Sanfillippo, Daniel Schmidt, Frank Schumacher, Ken Siebert, Sean Sullivan, Cullin Tripp, Alistair Vierod, Jack Walsh, Joe Walsh, John Webb, Logan Welge, Nick Williams, Tim Wilmes, Jack Witthaus
Cartoonists: Jennifer Langford, Robert Lux
Contributing Photographers: Connor Blanquart, Luke Buckheit, Ryan Dowd, Mike Dryden, Brad Hoffmeister, Joe Klein, Dr. Rick Kuebel, Mr. Matt Sciuto, Joe Shaver, Kyle Vogt, Ted Wight
The weekly student nespaper of St. Louis U. High
Artwork: Andrew Beckerle, Luke Chellis, Patrick Dustmann, Drew Dziedzic, Mike McLaughlin
Film Critic: Michael Blair Technology Consultants: Mr. Jon Dickmann, Mr. John Haefele Adviser: Mr. Michael Koenigs Moderator: Mr. Steve Missey
The Prep News is a publication of St. Louis University High School. Copyright ©2010 St. Louis University High School Prep News. No material may be reprinted without the permission of the editors and moderator.
May 21, 2010
under, well that only made it even more impressive.” Going into the State championship game, SLUH has every reason to believe they are going to take it all. Surprisingly, they will not have to face their rival DeSmet, as the Spartans were upset by Howell Central. The last time SLUH faced Howell, the Spartans came away with a convincing victory in three games. But that was over a month ago. Things have changed. Both teams have improved and the stakes are much higher this time. Each team has reeled off 6 straight wins in the playoffs to get to the finals. Each team has their share of area leaders in kills, blocks, and assists. And each team wants more than anything to win that State championship. The stage is set equally. The rest is up for the players to decide on the court.
Forum
(from 1) and Hill said, “That’s something we could actually do.” Concerning prayer services, Heisohn stated that he, along with John Lan Tran, S.J., have been working to improve them. Heinsohn said he wants to attract students to lead a prayer service, which would hopefully make the service more relatable. “I’ve been looking a lot to make it more interesting,” said Heisohn. Heisohn does not want them to be like this school year’s STUCO, whose ideas of having homerooms do prayer services never materialized. Heisohn intends to have a signup sheet in order to see who is interested. The forum ended on the topic of the lack of intramurals. Most of the students at the meeting stressed the importance of intramurals and encouraged STUCO intervention. “We need to make it more of a point, as a STUCO, to coordinate with (Assistant Athletic Director Tim Rittenhouse),” said Perrini. Hoerr suggested that the Intramural Task Force, who now only referees games, also help Rittenhouse plan and run intramurals. He also proposed that a tentative schedule be made at the beginning of the year. “I liked the idea of student involvement in prayer services and more STUCO involvement in intramurals,” said Hilker, who also described the meeting as very positive and constructive. Armed with these suggestions, STUCO is going into summer, when they intend to use the ideas for next year’s agenda. “We are going to have to review the ideas. We are going to have to talk about them,” said Perrini. STUCO plans to meet every two weeks over the summer to work. STUCO encourages anyone who has a suggestion to email them or message them through Facebook.
JV LAX
(from 6)
Aaron Kressig, the Cradlebills fell 6-5. The team regrouped itself after the stunning defeat, and pulled off impressive victories against MICDS and Parkway West. SLUH’s only other loss was just as unfortunate as the first, as the game was against Chaminade at Compton-Drew in rainy conditions. The SweetWindBreakerBrobills again started off well, and again fell victim to injury, this time McHenry. The teams traded goals until the fourth, when the Red Devils pulled away. Despite these two blemishes, the JV lacrosse team remained successful. When asked about his first year, Tlapek responded, “It was everything I expected— and more.”
May 21, 2010
NEWS
Volume 74, Issue 31
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Orf off to teach at Lausanne High Prep News Joe Klein Reporter fter nine months of dedicated service, social studies teacher and Alumni Service Corp (ASC) volunteer Tyler Orf will depart St. Louis U. High. After graduating from SLUH in 2004, Orf attended the University of Tulsa, where he obtained degrees in history and English. From there, he ventured into the business world, working at Anheuser-Busch for one year. However, it did not quite work out as planned. “While working there, I realized I needed something to shift in my life,” said Orf. Orf’s reasons for joining the ASC program were two-fold. “I wanted to be able to give back to the Jesuit system of education that gave me so
much, and I wanted to figure out if (teaching) was what I want to do with my life,” said Orf. Apparently, it is. Beginning with the next school year, Orf will move to Memphis, Tenn., where he plans to teach government and economics classes at Lausanne High School. “This year went really well,” said Orf. “I enjoyed it immensely, and I learned so much about who I am, and what it means to try and teach something to somebody.” Orf added that one of the major things he learned this year was that Tyler Orf one 45-minute period is not nearly enough time to teach something.
Contrary to what one might think, Orf said there was not much of an adjustment going from a student to a teacher at SLUH. “The hardest part about it was definitely learning to call teachers by their first name,” said Orf. “He was really easy to approach,” said freshman Matt Rudolf, who had Orf for Global History I. “He was really dedicated to his job, and it seemed like he wasn’t here for himself—he was here for others.” “He managed the (lacrosse) team very well,” said freshman Justin Mayfield, whose team Orf coached. In addition to teaching three sections of freshman Global History I, Orf coached C-lacrosse and assisted in freshman football and Student Council. He helped lead the Kairos and White House retreats, and supervised a Community Service Project site at Compton-Drew Middle School. He has not ruled out a hypothetical third stay at SLUH. If in the future he is given the opportunity to teach here again, he would “definitely consider it.”
Eric Mueth Core Staff lumni Service Corps (ASC) teacher Jeff Scott will be departing from St. Louis U. High after a year of service spent teaching three sections of freshmen Algebra I and helping with the Dauphin Players theatrical productions. Scott graduated from SLUH in 2002 and headed to University of Missouri-Colombia in search of a mechanical engineering degree. Scott finished with a Master’s degree in the spring of 2009 and decided to serve as an ASC member in order to delay a year before heading into the work world. “It was a gradual realization. The more I thought about (doing ASC), the more it seemed not only something that I wanted to do, but something I should be doing,” said Scott, noting that it was an informed conscience decision to become ASC instead of worrying about salary and economic stability directly out of college. In addition to directing the Circus Club
show, being stage manager for Urinetown, and helping in Senior Follies, Scott helped with Kairos, freshman retreat, and community service for Francis Nursery at the Forest Park hospital. As for teaching, Scott said, “I’ve come to love the interaction between the students and the teacher, and just the classes that I had.” He added, “(The students) are a great group of kids, all three sections … I just enjoy being able to go in every day and just teach them.” Freshmen agree that Scott Jeff Scott is a great guy whether he is teaching or not. Freshman Kyle Krause said, “I like how
he is so laid back,” but added that Scott is very serious when it comes to learning. “He’s a great guy, a great teacher … He’ll work with you until you get (your work) finished, ” said freshman Jack Whyte. “I really like his homework policy. It’s all due Monday, so I get time to work on it,” said freshman Mitchell Shaw. Scott is currently in the application process for a mechanical engineering job at a local St. Louis engineering company and hopes to move forward from there in the future. Scott does note that there is a possibility that he will teach again because he enjoyed his experience at SLUH so much. “It’s been great this year, I’ve really, really enjoyed it, and I definitely think it was what I was supposed to do,” he said.
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Photo by Mr. MAtt Sciuto
Scott hopes to go to into engineering A
Photo by Mr. MAtt Sciuto
Prep News 75 ready to roll
The sprawling responsibility of manag- manage the Prep News’ web format. Matt Bettonville “He’s our bridge from the start of the ing sports reporters will fall on the team of Editor in Chief website to full-time development next year,” Lumetta and Mueth, both of whom will seek he Prep News staff is set to embark on Missey said. “He represents for us our bigto write other genres of articles as well. its landmark 75th volume. The gradugest chance to grow and evolve in how we “Mike (Lumetta)’s incredible powers ating editors of Volume 74 will leave the deliver the news.” of observation will make him a great sports paper with a very capable editorial staff of A huge factor in producveteran Prep Newsians. ing each week’s paper is the staff. Current junior features editor Current junior Drew Dziedzic and Nick Fandos will take the reigns current sophomores Matt Cooley, as editor in chief. Junior Conor Nate Heagney, and Nathan RubGearin will serve as news editor, belke will comprise the core staff, and juniors Mike Lumetta and Eric a group that stays through to the Mueth will head up the Prep News end of Prep News production each sports section as sports editor and week. Current sophomore Joe assistant sports editor, respecKlein will join the Prep News as tively. Junior Patrick O’Leary part of the staff as well. will take on the title of web editor, “I think what stands out about the first Prep Newsian to hold the next year’s staff is the depth,” position, and will manage the Prep Fandos said. “We’ve got a group of News’ new web site. guys with a lot of experience that Fandos and Gearin both have Prep News Vol. 75 editors from left: Nick Fandos, Conor Gearin, Eric Mueth, Mike work really well together. There’s a lot of experience with the paper’s Lumetta, and Patrick O’ Leary. a great range of interests and ideas layout and will play a crucial role in among that group that are going to make for editor, and his interest beyond sports will managing and training students to produce an exciting year.” help shape the paper,” Missey said. “Eric the paper. Despite the staff turnover, Prep News is really growing in confidence, and I’ll be “Nick lives and breathes newspapers,” Volume 75 looks as bright as ever in conexcited to see what projects he chooses for said moderator Steve Missey. “Together tinuing one of SLUH’s oldest traditions with himself next year.” with Gearin’s powerful and ambitious inexperience but fresh faces. With the new Prep News web site, telligence, I think next year’s volume will “The amazing thing about next year’s go beyond expected reporting to take on sluh.org/prepnews, going live last week, staff is that its another group of incredibly O’Leary’s newly-created role as web edichallenging issues in the school and to ask talented people,” Missey said. “I’m excited tor will be a busy one. O’Leary will lead a hard questions about what we do here and to see what they can do with their passion team of staff members to upload articles and why.” and high-powered intelligence.”
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Photo by Chris Brennan
unveils new website
Matt Cooley Reporter ast week, the Prep News greatly expanded the digital version of its paper with the launch of a redesigned web site at www.sluh.org/prepnews. The new site allows readers to browse individual articles, a feature that the old site, which had only a bleak list of headlines, lacked. “(The old site) was really just a place to go and get the print version of the paper,” said senior Editor in Chief Matt Bettonville. “So my ambition for making the new website was that it would be something that you can read online, so that it’s … a second published version of the Prep News.” Creating a website that does more than allow users to access a PDF copy of the newspaper has been a goal of this year’s Prep News staff since the beginning of the school year. Early on, junior Core Staff member Patrick O’Leary and adviser Michael Koenigs each produced prototype sites to experiment with potential designs. Bettonville and O’Leary began serious planning for the site last fall with technology consultant John Haefele. After reviewing several systems, Haefele suggested using the Joomla web design content management system as the backbone of the site because it offers plenty of features but still is easier to learn than other software. Over the next few months, O’Leary assumed many of the site construction duties. Bettonville and Koenigs also made major contributions. The site went live last Friday with the release of Volume 74, Issue 30. Besides providing a way to read individual articles, the website offers color photos, videos, updated weather and calendar events, and the ability to automatically subscribe to an e-mail-delivered Prep News. For those who prefer to read the paper in print format, a new electronic leader feature allows easy reading online, and the traditional PDF version of the issue can still be downloaded. Bettonville and O’Leary said readers’ responses to the site so far have been mostly positive. A few readers spotted broken links and other technical problems, but they were the result of data-entry errors and were easily fixed. In the future, the Prep News will continue to tweak the site’s design and add new features. “We kind of hope that it becomes the place you really go to if you want to know something that’s going on in the school,” said O’Leary. “The new website looks fantastic, and will serve as a good way to highlight the content the students work so hard to produce,” said moderator Steve Missey. “It’s now in the same league as the quality of their journalism.”
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The Prep News wishes you, our esteemed readers, a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer break.
Seniors 12 Class of 2010 Scholarships
May 21, 2010
Volume 74, Issue 31
Legend: a - Academic ath - Athletic d - Diversity j - Jesuit School l - Leadership s - Service t - Talent
Only accepted scholarships listed
Archer, Patrick—University of Dallas - Dept. Math Award Scholarship (a), University of Dallas - President’s Scholarship (a) Aston, Cole—University of Dayton - Deans’ Merit Scholarship (a) Baer, Bret—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Curators’ Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Excellence Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Wilm Coghill Scholarship II (a), UniGroup Scholarship Foundation (a) Ball, David—Juilliard School Alumni Scholarship (t) Barber, Houston—Truman State University President’s Combined Ability Scholarship (a) Barrett, John—St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j) Baxter, Kyle—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Bedell, Ryan—Loyola University-Chicago Director’s Scholarship (a), Loyola University-Chicago Jesuit Heritage (j), Loyola University-Chicago Presidential Achievement Finalists Scholarship (a), Loyola University-Chicago Presidential Achievement Scholarship (a) Bertucci, Robert—Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Scholarship (a), Massachusetts Institute of Technology Scholarship (a) Bettger, Joseph—Bellarmine University Athletic Award (ath), Bellarmine University Monsignor Horrigan Scholarship (a) Bettonville, Matthew—Coca-Cola Regional Scholarship (a, l), National Merit $2,500 Scholarship (a), Al Neuharth Free Spirit Scholarship (t) Blackburn, Kevin—University of Minnesota - Gold National Scholarship (a) Brady, Andrew—University of Notre Dame - University Scholarship (a) Brauer, Austin—Truman State University President’s Combined Ability Scholarship (a) Bruno, Anthony—Drury University Dean Scholar (a) Bufe, Frank—Marquette University Jesuit Half Tuition Scholarship (a, j) Burke, Matthew—Spring Hill College Trustee Scholarship (a) Burns, Steven—Marquette University Ignatius Academic Distinction Scholarship (a) Burnworth, Christopher—University of Tulsa Academic Scholarship (a) Burr, David—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Butler, James—National Merit (Vanderbilt University) Scholarship (a) Butler, Michael—Marquette University Ignatius Magis (a) Campbell, Brian—Notre Dame Club of St. Louis (a), University of Notre Dame - University Scholarship (a), Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship (a) Carson, Chad—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Castro, Benjamin—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Chellis, Luke—Massachusetts Institute of Technology Scholarship (a), National Merit $2,500 Scholarship (a) Chisholm, Robert—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Curators’ Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Excellence Scholarship (a), Missouri
University of Science & Technology Miner Alumni Scholarship (a), Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship (a) Clohisy, Timothy—St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j) Conroy, Anthony—Fordham University Jogues Scholarship C.B. (a) Cookson, Emmett—University of Tulsa - Academic Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Dean Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Vision Scholarship (a) Cooney, Timothy—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), Washington University Athletic Award (ath), Washington University Olin Scholarship (a) Creedon, Patrick—National Merit (University of Tulsa) Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Academic Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Dean Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Oklahoma Academic Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Vision Scholarship (a) Cruz, Oscar—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j), St. Louis University Provost Scholarship (a, l) Cullen, Stephen—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), Truman State University Academic Scholarship (a), Truman State University President’s Honorary Scholarship (a) Danter, Andrew—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Curators Scholars Award (a) Dempsey, Thomas—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Dienstbach, Michael—Loyola University-Chicago Damen Scholarship (a), Loyola University-Chicago Director’s Scholarship (a), Loyola University-Chicago Jesuit Heritage (j) Doherty, Daniel—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Excellence Award (a) Dowd, Jack—University of Notre Dame - Provost’s Scholarship (a), University of Notre Dame - University Scholarship (a) Dryden, Michael—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), Bright Flight Scholarship (a), St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j), St. Louis University Presidential Scholarship (a, j, l, s) Joseph Ebel, Jr.—Marquette University Academic Scholarship (a) Edmundson, Joseph—University of Dayton - Adele Scholarship (a), University of Dayton - Deans’ Merit Scholarship (a) Eisele, Kurt—Ohio State University Alumni Association Scholarship (a), Ohio State University Maximus Scholarship (a), Ohio State University National Buckeye Scholarship (a) Evens, Andrew—Creighton University Founders Scholarship (a), Creighton University Ignatian Leadership/Service Scholarship (l, s) Everson, Peter—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Fister, James—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Fitzgerald, Casey—University of Tulsa - Academic Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Dean Scholarship (a) Fitzgibbon, Kevin—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Curators Scholars Award (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Diversity Award (a, d) Fleming, David—University of Notre Dame - Provost’s Scholarship (a), University of Notre Dame University Scholarship (a) Fogarty, Stuart—St. John’s University Abbey Scholarship, St. John’s University Catholic Benedictine Scholarship, St. John’s University Regents’/Trustees’ Scholarship (a, l) Ford, Benjamin—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j), St. Louis University Provost Scholarship (a, l) Ford, Caleb—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), Washington University Mesmer Scholarship (a)
Franey III—Iowa State University ACE Scholarship (a) Gable, Alexander—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Gabler, William—Missouri University of Science & Technology Miner Alumni Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Missouri Miner Scholarship (a) Gaines, Michael—St. Louis University Ignatian Scholarship (a), St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j) Gardner, Charles—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Curators’ Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Excellence Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Miner Alumni Scholarship (a) Gassert, Michael—Truman State University President’s Combined Ability Scholarship (a) Geders, Joel—Truman State University President’s Combined Ability Scholarship (a) Giljum, Brendan—Mike Pohlman Memorial Scholarship (a, l, ath) Gima, Zachary—University of Southern California - Trustee Scholarship (a) Goeddel, Daniel—Elks National Foundation Legacy Awards Scholarship (a), St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j), St. Louis University Presidential Finalist Scholarship (a) Golterman, Robert—Santa Clara University Jesuit Ignatian Award (a, j) Graczak, Brenden—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), St. Louis University Deans’ Scholarship (a), St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j) Grippi, Jasper—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), St. Louis College of Pharmacy President’s Scholarship (a) Guilfoy, Douglas—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Harris, Peter—University of Maryland - President’s Scholarship (a) Harris, Zachary—University of Dayton - Adele Scholarship (a), University of Dayton - Deans’ Merit Scholarship (a) Henke, Jonathan—University of Tulsa - Academic Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Vision Scholarship (a) Hentz, William—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Hermsmeier, Daniel—University of Memphis - Athletic Award (ath), University of Memphis - Out-of State Tuition Scholarship (a), University of Memphis - Provost’s Scholarship (a) Hewitt, Dominic—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Hoch, Andrew—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Hof, Stephen—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Wilson Memorial Scholarship (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Curators Scholars Award (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Engineering Achievement Award (a) Hoffman, Eric—Creighton University Scott Scholarship (a, l) Hollabaugh, William—Marquette University Ignatius Service Scholarship (s) Hovater, William—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Engineering Achievement Award (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Excellence Award (a) Huddleston, John—Denison Unviersity Alumni Award (a) Hudson, Daniel—University of Kansas - Freshman Achievement Scholarship (a) Jackson, Scott—University of Dayton - Deans’ Merit Scholarship (a) Jennings, Tyler—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Jerry, Patrick—Fordham University Deans Scholarship (a), National Merit (Fordham University) Scholarship
Legend: a - Academic; ath - Athletic; d - Diversity; j - Jesuit School; l - Leadership; s - Service; t - Talent
Seniors 13 Class of 2010 Scholarships
May 21, 2010
Volume 74, Issue 31
Jordan, Devin—Loyola University-Chicago Director’s Scholarship (a), Loyola University-Chicago Jesuit Heritage (j), Loyola University-Chicago Loyola Scholarship (a) Jungels, Dylan—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Kaucher, Michael—University of Tulsa - Academic Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Dean Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Vision Scholarship (a) Kickham, Kevin—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), Truman State University President’s Combined Ability Scholarship (a), Truman State University President’s Honorary Scholarship (a) Kirner, David—Truman State University President’s Honorary Scholarship (a) Kissel, Mark—Creighton University Ignatian Leadership/Service Scholarship (l, s), Creighton University University Scholarship (a) Kresyman, Andrew—University of Tulsa - Academic Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Dean Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Vision Scholarship (a) Kuehl, Daniel—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Albert Johns Scholarship II (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Trustees’ Scholarship (a) Lehman, Colin—University of Tulsa - Academic Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Dean Scholarship (a), University of Tulsa - Vision Scholarship (a) Lewis, Eric—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), William Jewell College Jewell Scholarship (a), William Jewell College Newspaper Award (t) Llanos, Luis—University of Notre Dame - Provost’s Scholarship (a), University of Notre Dame - University Scholarship (a) Luongo, Vincent—St. Louis University Ignatian Scholarship (a), St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j) Macauley, Patrick—Bellarmine University Athletic Award (ath), Bellarmine University Monsignor Horrigan Scholarship (a) Mackin, Andrew—Miami University-Ohio NonResident Scholarship (a) Magee, Collum—University of Central Missouri - Red & Black Scholarship (a) Mayberger, Michael—Illinois Wesleyan University Alumni Scholarship (a) McAuliffe, Kevin—Rockhurst University Magis Jesuit High School Scholarship (a, j) McBride, Mark—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Curators’ Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Excellence Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Miner Alumni Scholarship (a) McCabe, Collin—Loyola University-New Orleans Ignatian Scholarship (a, l, s) McCabe, George—Loyola University-New Orleans Jesuit Identity Scholarship (a, s) McCall, Peter—University of Wyoming - Rocky Mountain Scholarship (a) McCarthy, Daniel—Columbia College Opportunity Scholarship (a) McLaughlin, Timothy—Loyola University-Chicago Damen Scholarship (a), Loyola University-Chicago Director’s Scholarship (a), Loyola University-Chicago Jesuit Heritage (j) McVey, Michael—St. Louis University Ignatian Scholarship (a), St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j) Meagher, Sean—Robert Morris University Scholarship (a) Mertens, Andrew—IAABO Scholarship (a), St. Louis University Deans’ Scholarship (a), St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j) Meyer, Andrew—Rockhurst University Magis Jesuit High School Scholarship (a, j) Meyer, Michael—St. Louis University Jesuit High
Continued
School Award (j), St. Louis University Presidential Scholarship (a, j, l, s) Milles, Scott—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Minden-Birkenmaier, Ben—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), St. Louis University University Scholarship (a) Minnick, Anthony—Loyola University-Chicago Presidential Achievment Scholarship (a) Mueller, Kevin—Marquette University Ignatius Academic Distinction Scholarship (a) Mulligan, Padrick—Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Merit Scholarship (a) Murphy-Baum, Joseph—Truman State University Athletic Award (ath) Myers, Alexander—Spring Hill College Gautrelet Jesuit Scholarship (a) Nacanaynay, Patrick—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j), St. Louis University Provost Scholarship (a, l) Nester, Bernard—Marquette University Ignatius Magis (a) Oberman, Ryan—Creighton University Ignatian Leadership/Service Scholarship (l, s), Creighton University University Scholarship (a) Odem, Matthew—Bellarmine University Monsignor Horrigan Scholarship (a) Ostapowicz, Andrew—Creighton University Founders Scholarship (a) Ottenlips, Michael—Hendrix College Academic Scholarship (a), Hendrix College Odyssey Distinction Award (a) Paino, Alexander—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Curators Scholars Award (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Engineering Achievement Award (a), National Merit (University of Missouri-Columbia) Scholarship (a) Perks, Kevin—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), University of Missouri-Kansas City Curators’ Scholarship (a) Phillips, Michael—University of Pittsburgh - Full Tuition Honors Scholarship (a) Piening, Kurt—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), Rockhurst University Dowling Scholarship (a), Rockhurst University Loyola Scholarship (j), Rockhurst University Regent’s Scholarship (a) Pike, Daniel—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), National Merit $2,500 Scholarship (a) Pisoni, Richard—Fordham University Scholarship (a), National Merit (Fordham University) Scholarship Place, Gregory—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Re’, Anthony—Loyola University-Chicago Damen Scholarship (a), Loyola University-Chicago Director’s Scholarship (a) Reda, Matthew—University of San Francisco - Academic Scholarship (a, j) Rhodes, Aric—St. Louis University Ignatian Scholarship (a), St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j) Royston, Justice—Westminster College Breakthrough Scholarship (a) Rudolf, Lawrence—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), Rockhurst University Dowling Scholarship (a), Rockhurst University Loyola Scholarship (j), Rockhurst University Regent’s Scholarship (a), Rockhust University Ignatius of Loyola Award (a) Ruppe, Paul—University of Missouri-Columbia Excellence Award (a) Salamone, Andrew—Indiana University Distinction Scholarship (a), Indiana University Hudson & Holland Scholarship (a) Scheibe, Andrew—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Curators Scholars Award (a), University of Missouri-Columbia G E Huggins Undergraduate Scholarship (a) Schneier, John—Bright Flight Scholarship (a)
Schnitzler, Joshua—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Engineering Achievement Award (a), University of MissouriColumbia Excellence Award (a) Schumacher, Frank—National Merit (Vanderbilt University) Scholarship (a) Schumacker, Matthew—Butler University Academic Scholarship (a) Seaton, John—Montana State University Achievement Scholarship (a), Montana State University Freshman Scholarship (a) Seckfort, Nicholas—University of Kansas - Athletic Scholarship (ath), University of Kansas - Freshman Achievement Scholarship (a) Staley, George—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Stankoven, David—Missouri State University C.W. Walter Memorial Scholarship (a) Stark, Christian—Quincy University LaVerna Scholarship (a) Steurer, John—University of Dayton - Deans’ Merit Scholarship (a) Stole, Dane—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Curators Scholars Award (a) Stoltze, Charles—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Curators Scholars Award (a) Swafford, Andrew—Truman State University Academic Scholarship (a), Truman State University Foreign Language Scholarship (a) Thames, Robert—Loyola Marymount University Trustee Scholarship (a) Tierney, Andrew—St. Louis University Jesuit High School Award (j), St. Louis University University Scholarship (a) Turner, Matthew—Bright Flight Scholarship (a) Tynan, Michael—Loyola University-Chicago Ignatian Scholarship (a) Varty, Ted—Loyola University-Chicago Director’s Scholarship (a), Loyola University-Chicago Jesuit Heritage (j), Loyola University-Chicago Presidential Achievment Scholarship (a), National Merit (Loyola University-Chicago) Scholarship (a) Vastola, Patrick—University of Kansas - FLAS Scholarship (a, t) Verzino, Nicholas—Loyola University-Chicago Director’s Scholarship (a), Loyola University-Chicago Jesuit Heritage (j), Loyola University-Chicago Presidential Achievement Finalists Scholarship (a), Loyola University-Chicago Presidential Achievment Scholarship (a) Voss, Adam—Affton Elks Lodge Scholarship (a), Truman State University President’s Combined Ability Scholarship (a), Truman State University President’s Honorary Scholarship (a) Wedekind, Michael—University of Missouri-Columbia Excellence Award (a) Whalen, Alex—Marquette University Ignatius Magis (a) Williams, Patrick—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), University of Missouri-Columbia Curators Scholars Award (a) Wilmes, Timothy—Xavier University Jesuit Heritage Scholarship (j), Xavier University Presidential Scholarship (a) Wobbe, Clint—Bright Flight Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Athletic Award (ath), Missouri University of Science & Technology Curators’ Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology Excellence Scholarship (a), Missouri University of Science & Technology W. Rankin Scholarship II (a) Wright, Joseph—Truman State University President’s Combined Ability Scholarship (a), Truman State University President’s Honorary Scholarship (a), Truman State University President’s Leadership Scholarship (l)
Legend: a - Academic; ath - Athletic; d - Diversity; j - Jesuit School; l - Leadership; s - Service; t - Talent
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Volume 74, Issue 31
Looking Back
May 21, 2010
Top sports stories of Volume 74 Adam Cruz, Eric Mueth Sports Editor, Core Staff First year of Danis Field House (Issue 1, 12, 21-23, 30) The Danis Field House officially opened on Sept. 1 as the newest addition to St. Louis U. High from the Vision 2000 campaign. Construction began in May 2008 and was originally scheduled to take 15 months. However, the building was finished by July, and the dedication ceremony took place on Sept. 25. The building is home to basketball and volleyball courts, a new wrestling room, and new coaching offices and locker rooms. On Nov. 30, the Field House held its first official game in a match-up between the SLUH Basketbills and the Hancock Tigers. The game, which SLUH won handily, featured tributes to coaches and players, including former head football coach Paul Martel and every first-team AllState player in SLUH basketball history. The main event, however, was the halftime banner dedication to “Easy” Ed Macauley, ’45, an NBA Hall of Fame Inductee. Athletic Director Richard Wehner was the master of ceremonies for the night, donning his famous tuxedo and tennis shoes look. After months of construction and two ceremonies under its belt, the Field House now plays home to SLUH’s basketball, wrestling, and volleyball teams, and all three teams enjoyed successful seasons in the Field House’s first year. The basketball team, led by senior Tim Cooney, went all the way to the District final in the Field House against the Webster Groves Statesmen after a buzzer-beating victory over the rival Vianney Griffins. The season was one of the most successful under coach John Ross, as the Jr. Bills tallied 17 victories, including the first 4-0 start since 1992. The Volleybills continued their domination of late in their new home. After huge regular-season victories over DeSmet and CBC, and a convincing District tournament title, the Jr. Bills entered the playoffs hoping to win their third State title in four years. After two victories over Lafayette and Oakville, SLUH took on the rival Spartans in the state championship (see nightbeat).
Soccer and XC make strong state runs (Issues 10-12) The St. Louis U. High cross country team headed into the season as the clear favorite in Missouri. The Jr. Bills dominated the regular season with their depth and talent, only faltering once, at the Rim Rock Classic, to a Liberty team that had a spectacular race. After cruising through District and Sectionals, SLUH prepared for State. Unseasonably warm November weather presented the Jr. Bills with a different challenge. With the dominant one-two punch of senior Caleb Ford and junior Tim Rackers, SLUH controlled the front of the race early on. The Jr. Bills were spread apart, though, and were locked in a two-team race with Lee’s Summit North. After Ford finished second, Rackers began to stumble only meters from the finish, dropping from his third-place position to eighth. But in the meantime, senior Tim McLaughlin charged up the final hill, finishing 10th. With three runners already in, senior Emmett Cookson held his ground, finishing
30th, and senior Tony Minnick finished 42nd. SLUH fans thought they had the victory, but braced themselves for the worst news. The doubts quickly ended when the official results were announced—the Jr. Bills had won their third State title. The Jr. Bill soccer squad entered the season as an underdog in many people’s eyes. After losing many valuable seniors, SLUH brought little experience to the stadium. The Futbills, however, began a winning streak after rattling off huge victories. SLUH matched up against a tough Chaminade team in the District finals. In the previous meeting, the Jr. Bills had fallen, but this time SLUH prevailed. After knocking off Francis Howell North, the Jr. Bills headed to the quarterfinals. SLUH dismantled McCluer North in that round and faced an unknown Park Hill team in the semifinals. SLUH struggled to keep up in the first half but took control of the game, winning 4-0. The Jr. Bills brought all of the momentum to the title game, riding a six-game win streak. Defensive play controlled the game, as both SLUH and CBC failed to finish on their few scoring opportunities. The Cadets finally broke through, though, and the Jr. Bills could not muster up any offense to come back. The 1-0 loss ended a successful season with heartbreaking finish. Hockey defeats CBC twice (Issues 12, 18) The 2009-10 hockey team seemed to have one goal in mind other than winning State: beat CBC. SLUH not only did that; they did it and repeated. Coming into the first matchup, on Nov. 30, the Jr. Bills were heavily outmatched on paper. Yet, SLUH held the Cadets scoreless in the first two periods. CBC pulled ahead early in the third, but the Puckbills countered with a power-play goal from senior Brandon Eversgerd. With six minutes remaining, sophomore forward Trent Lulow put the Jr. Bills on top. Junior goalie Justin Ragland held on to the lead for SLUH, granting them the victory. The Hockeybills fell to the Cadets over Christmas break but had a rubber match on Jan. 29. SLUH scored early in the first to take a 1-0 lead and fended off CBC’s rapid-fire attack. A period later, the Jr. Bills tacked on back-to-back goals to take a huge 3-0 into the third. But CBC would finally score on their 33rd shot to pull within two. With six minutes left in the game, the Cadets would tickle the twine again to send SLUH into a state of panic. However, the Jr. Bills remained strong and held on for the 3-2 victory. Nicollerat inducted to MHSBCA Hall of Fame, Hagan inducted into the Mo. Sports Hall of Fame (Issues 17,12) In his 31st year as head of the baseball program, baseball coach Steve Nicollerat became the 46th member of the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association (MHSBCA) Hall of Fame. With former players, family, and friends on hand at the ceremony, Nicollerat was inducted in Jefferson City on Jan. 23. While he has yet to win a State title since he took the reins in 1979, Nicollerat has led the baseball program to a
high level of success, garnering 22 District titles, 13 Sectional titles, three Final Four appearances, and 476 wins (and counting) along the way, good for fourth in the Hall of Fame. Nicollerat has gone beyond wins and losses in his contributions to the baseball program. As a coach, Nicollerat has been able to teach more than baseball. He puts value not in his record but in the lasting impact that he has had through his relationships with his players as they grow up. Martin “Marty” Hagan, S.J., led the rifle team to five national championships and one state championship in his 35-year tenure as a coach at SLUH. The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame announced his posthumous induction in midNovember, and held a ceremony on Jan. 31. Hagan’s induction was based not only on his success in sports, but also because of his service. Hagan taught theology and English and established the Rec Room. Hagan coached all three levels of rife, coaching freshmen rifle for nearly 50 years. Missouri coaches, broadcasters, journalists, players, physicians, and administrators at all levels are honored in the Hall of Fame. Hagan joins the ranks of August Busch Jr., Red Schoendienst, and Dick Vermeil. Linhares calls it quits after 25 years as head XC coach (Issue 18) After his third State championship as head coach, Jim Linhares retired as SLUH cross country coach, naming assistant Joe Porter the new head of the program in a team meeting months after the season’s end. Named head coach in 1985, taking over from Jesuit scholastic Jim Goeke, Linhares took what was “basically a running club” and transformed it into a powerhouse, winning three State titles, 22 conference championships, 14 Sectional crowns, and 16 District championships in his tenure. Named the Assistant Principal for Mission last year, Linhares cited lack of time as the primary reason for his stepping down. With “God pointing him in another direction” and the roles of “coach and adminstrator not clicking,” Linhares passed on a talented team with two consecutive State titles to the “next generation of coaches.” Conley finishes Fourth in State (Issue 21) Junior Espen Conley headed into the 2009-2010 wrestling season already with a State medal around his neck and looked to contend for the 145-pound title. After a dominating regular season, he boasted over 40 victories and won a No. 1 seed at State. Conley destroyed his first two opponents and moved onto the semifinals to face Holt senior Greg Amos, a two-time State champion. Conley tried to tire out Amos, but failed, losing 14-7 and falling out of State championship contention. Conley battled in his wrestleback and scratched by with a 2-1 victory, earning him a spot in the third-place match. However, an injury forced him to forfeit, and he took fourth place overall. Despite the disappointment, Conley looks forward to another shot for glory as a senior next season.
Ten news stories that shaped the year Ben Kim, Matt Bettonville News Editor, Editor in Chief The following are ten news stories that shaped the 2009-10 school year: Langford and Ritz Sophomores Brendan Langford and Jacob Ritz were both killed when their airplane crashed in Gaston, Ark. on June 26 (issue 1). Sophomore Josh Beckerle was seriously injured in the accident, which also claimed the life of Langford’s father, Rocky, SLUH ‘75. St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson presided over a sophomore class memorial Mass on Sept. 18 (issue 4). Jazz Diversity Throughout the school year, St. Louis U. High presented its Jazz Diversity Series, the first school-wide diversity series, centering on jazz music. Dr. Gerald Early of Washington University started the series on Oct. 13 (issue 7), and SLUH followed up with four mandatory class-wide presentations and optional activity period sessions. Danis Field House Despite delays in SLUH’s Vision 2000 plans, the Danis Field House opened officially on Sept. 1 (issue 1). The new 47,551 square foot building has hosted many events since then and boasts a wrestling room, two basketball courts, and new office space for coaches. SLUH’s V2K plans are currently in a planning phase with no construction to take place this summer. Sinkholes Once again, sinkholes have plagued SLUH’s campus. Two appeared during the year—one in the parking lot and another
in the Drury Plaza (issues 2, 7). Eleven total sinkholes have been found since 2004. Possible explanations for SLUH’s sinkhole woes include nature karst formation in limestone, collapsed mine shafts under the school, and decomposition of buried buildings from the past (issue 4). Cheating In a Prep News news feature in issue 20, it was reported that 210 out of 276 surveyed students, or 76 percent, had cheated in some fashion during high school. The article examined various perspectives on cheating as well as ways of cheating and prevention methods. SLUH’s Parent/Student handbook states that “While recognizing the strength of both the temptations to cheat and the pressure to cooperate in cheating, the school cannot overlook even casual cheating without compromising its mission.” I-64 Reopening After 23 months of reconstruction, Interstate I-64 reopened, allowing students to drive once again on the heavily-used highway, which runs close to SLUH. In general, commutes to school have improved with the re-opening. During I-64’s construction, SLUH didn’t see the feared drop in applicants during the years the highway was closed. Administration Restructuring With the departure of former Assistant Principal for Academics Mark Michalski, the previous four-person administration restructured into a team of five. The administration made former theology teacher Jim Linhares into Assistant Principal for Mission and former Director of Diversity Robert Evans into Assistant Principal for Diversity. Two returning administrators, Tom Becvar and Brock Kesterson, had a
shifting of responsibilities with Becvar becoming Assistant Principal for Academics and Kesterson becoming Assistant Principal for Student Life (issue 1). Now with Evans bound for Chicago, the Assistant Principal for Diversity role stands temporarily vacant. SLUH Review and SLUH Progressive SLUH saw the establishment of two student journals of thought, the SLUH Review and the SLUH Progressive (issues 3 and 14). For the most part, the SLUH Review and the SLUH Progressive catered to the right and left of the political spectrum, respectively. A Prep News commentary addressed these affinities and leanings, prompting a response letter from each journal (issue 17). Archbishop Carlson’s Visits After presiding over the memorial Mass for Langford and Ritz, Carlson returned to SLUH to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. During a question-and-answer session with the Prep News, Carlson shared his perspective on SLUH as both a high school and a community in the context of the archdiocese of St. Louis (issue 13). Schulte Leaving the Classroom Fine arts and theater director Joesph Schulte will stop teaching formal classes after this year. Though he won’t be teaching classes, Schulte will continue to be deeply involved at SLUH, especially in SLUH’s theater program. For 60 years, Schulte has been a part of the SLUH community, touching many students’ lives (issues 19 and 30). Schulte was awarded the Backer Award, the highest honor SLUH gives to an alumnus, for his contributions (issue 29).
May 21, 2010
Keefe
NEWS
(from 2) never gives up on you. ... I probably saw him during every one of my free periods first semester.” Keefe came to SLUH in 1967 from Whitfield School because SLUH needed a full-time French teacher to expand its French curriculum to a four-year program. In his first few years, Keefe jumped into a number of activities, including B-soccer from 1968 to 1971 and yearbook from 1971 to 1973. Though he had no experience whatsoever in either, Keefe posted a perfect 22-0 record in the 1969-1970 season, and he successfully produced two Dauphin yearbooks. In 1973, though, Keefe’s career suddenly changed. Then-Principal Michael Durso, S.J., told him that then-Dean of Students Charlie Conway wanted to return to teaching chemistry and offered Keefe Conway’s position. “I remember him telling me, ‘I like the way you deal with students, and I think you’d be good at it,’” recalled Keefe. Keefe accepted the job and transitioned into the administrative role. According to Keefe, in terms of discipline problems, a few students tried to take advantage of the policy allowing smoking and students had excessive facial hair. “There were no daily crises,” said Keefe. “The kids here are pretty respectful, and they know the meaning of yes and no, pretty much. They don’t try to get away with too much.” But in 1977 another school need ended Keefe’s stint as Dean of Students and landed him in the Assistant Principal for Academics position. As Assistant Principal for Academics, Keefe handled more paperwork and fewer students. However, student contact continued, as students—some struggling, others just wanting to socialize—congregated in Keefe’s office. Reflecting on the differences between teaching and administrating, Keefe said, “When you’re an administrator, you never know where your next phone call is coming from. You’re always somebody else’s problem or somebody else’s issue is on your front burner.” Though he enjoyed both roles, he said that he had more control of his schedule and far less unpredictability as a teacher. As Assistant Principal for Academics, Keefe also moderated the National Honor Society, where he inaugurated Honors Night. Honors Night, held at the end of the first semester in January, recognized both parents and students for students’ academic achievements. “The reason I wanted to do it that way is because a lot of the kids who make good grades here do not do it on their own. There’s a lot of tremendous parental support at home,” Keefe said, explaining that parents deserved recognition for that support. After 22 years as an administrator, Keefe decided to return to the classroom to teach French again. “I just decided that 22 years
15 Klenklen Volume 74, Issue 31
as an administrator was long enough,” he said. However, his administrative experience affected his outlook on teaching. Keefe said, “Being an administrator taught me it’s not black, it’s not white, it’s all gray. There is more than one way to look at circumstances or issues or students or students’ performance or whatever.” With more free time, Keefe re-entered the world of extracurriculars, co-moderating Senior Project from 1995 to 2000 and yearbook from 2005 to 2007 with his friend, art teacher John Mueller. According to Mueller, Keefe oversaw details of Senior Project between 1995 and 2000 and, at Mueller’s persuasion, learned to use a computer. Mueller, a poor typist, wanted Keefe to use his typewriter skills to create the Senior Project pamphlet, and he did. Keefe joined Mueller in his second stint with the yearbook between 2005 and 2007. He also assisted Mueller with Cultural Horizons, the group that explores various sites of cultural interest in St. Louis, and Mueller’s Community Service Program site at Peter and Paul Shelter downtown. In addition, of course, Keefe proctors the cafeteria every morning. The attribute that Keefe brings to all of these activities, Mueller said, is his commitment to getting things done. “Dependable is almost an understatement,” said Mueller. “If he said that this will be done, it will be done. I think that’s one thing he’s taught me, that if you say you’re going to do something, you do it.” Tom Sullivan, ’81, a friend of Keefe’s, echoed Mueller’s sentiment. Sullivan met Keefe when he was trying to transfer from Chaminade to SLUH, and he said that he has asked Keefe for advice in almost every major decision since then. “I would trust him with anything. I mean, I’m 46 years old now. There’s really not a thing I don’t do in my life that’s important that I don’t run it by him,” said Sullivan. He added, “When I was getting married, I wanted to make sure she met him, and he liked (her). I mean, that’s how important he is.” Keefe decided to retire this spring. “There are circumstances—times in a person’s life—when doing something or not doing something feels right,” he said. “It just happens. And that happened in this case. It’s just time to stop.” As for what he will do in his retirement, Keefe simply said, “I am going to relish not having any regular commitments—do what I want when I want.” Keefe has impacted the lives of thousands of students in different ways during his tenure, and his ability to motivate and to reach out to students has extended far beyond his impressive resume. Though he has done a hefty body of work for SLUH logistically, Keefe’s presence to individual students has been an even greater service to the school. Junior Steve Ludwig, who created
the Facebook group “Mr. Keefe—SLUH Legend—Remembered Forever” to recognize Keefe, said that Keefe has helped guide and improve his high school career. “He’s definitely helped me to relax more and just get stuff done without worrying about things as much,” said Ludwig. “And then he’s also helped me to make sure that I get all my homework done and that I get the most out of SLUH that I can.” Dan Burghoff, ’05, who also stays in contact with Keefe, said, “He pushed me to sort of do the best I could. I always felt like he knew that I had potential and would grade me accordingly, try to push me to reach a new level that he knew I was capable of.” For junior Bobby Lux, Keefe not only helped him when he needed the help but prepared him to grapple with hardship. “Mr. Keefe was part of SLUH for me, and by that I mean he created an environment where I was comfortable with learning and was comfortable with struggle also,” said Lux. “I knew that if I had problems I could go to him, and he was always there in the cafeteria ready to help me if I needed it.” Ryan Haefele, ’97, has sustained a relationship with Keefe since his graduation 13 years ago, in large part because of Keefe’s interest. According to Haefele, when he was at the University of Dayton, Keefe regularly sent him copies of the Prep News by mail. Seckfort said that Keefe would frequently inquire as to how he was doing during his junior year when he struggled with AP Physics. “I’d do my little sort of one line of complaining, and I’d just go sit there and sulk. And he’d be like, ‘Well, don’t worry. It’ll get better.’ And so for me he’s always been there just to tell me it does get better, and eventually things will end,” said Seckfort. Mueller said that he doubts anyone will pick up the little tasks Keefe is leaving behind. “We won’t even know we’re missing (him) because of all the things that he does that won’t be done: teaching boys to tie ties, sitting with people, helping them through troubled situations,” he said. “I just don’t know if there’s going to be people like him that will take so much interest in every student.” Macarthy summed up the loss of Keefe: “Of course the guy’s going to be missed. There’s no way you’re going to replace him. I don’t really know what I’m going to do next year. I mean, I don’t know who I’m going to visit during my free period. ... But I’m going to try to keep in touch with him, that’s for sure.” Keefe’s 43 years have left a record of academic and administrative excellence at St. Louis U. High, but many will think of him instead as the man who embraced and embodied the ideal of being a man for others, the man who would always open an office or a cafeteria table and talk a while.
in. When asked about her role in the changing of SLUH’s atmosphere to one more accepting of diversity, Coldren attributed it more to the timing of her arrival and tenure at SLUH rather than her own efforts. “Society made people more aware,” said Coldren. “I would only bring up things I saw as areas of concern.” Coldren said that one of the forces supporting increased diversity at SLUH was then-president Robert Costello, S.J., who was “very open to how the female faculty saw things. In his own words, he saw himself as a man in a tradition of male-dominance, and he did a lot to change that,” said Coldren. SLUH saw change towards awareness with the introduction of more diverse literature into the curriculum, as well as the
separation of the awards ceremony from the Father/Son banquet, a practice that previously blocked mothers from the ceremony. Aside from her efforts towards awareness, Coldren has influenced those who encounter every year with her patient nature, caring regard, and love for her students. “I once heard that when you quit learning from the students, it is time to give up,” said Coldren. “I haven’t stopped learning, but I get to leave here with an immense amount of knowledge … I am still a work in progress as we all are, but the students have been a large part of me because of it.”
Coldren (from 2) change was not always easy, however. “The principal who hired me asked me, in my job interview, if my husband was aware that I was here applying. I, to this day, do not know if he was kidding,” said Coldren. Not only was she one of the few female faculty members at SLUH at the time, but the transition from teaching in a college classroom to teaching in a high school setting was a difficulty in itself. Coldren remembers walking down the hallway to her interview, while the boys who lined the hallways were “getting silent as I would pass. It seemed like an intimidating all-male environment at first,” said Coldren. However, with the guidance of English teacher Rich Moran, she quickly settled
(from 2) Klenklen’s list of responsibilities is sprawling. She generally spends a large portion of the fall preparing graduation certificates and the majority of the spring preparing transcripts. Between these overarching responsibilities, Klenklen finds time to prepare awards certificates, order flowers for the funerals of deceased alumni, and record Advanced Placement (AP) scores among other things. “Bottom line, I think she has, as one woman, done a job that’s at least a two-person job given the stresses and timeframes that are involved,” said French teacher Richard Keefe. Keefe worked extensively with Klenklen during his time as assistant principal in the 1960s through the‘80s. He explained that whenever he was in doubt about a new policy or proposition, he would solicit the opinion of Klenklen whose experience in administrating predated his. In fact, Klenklen’s tenure exceeds that of every faculty member but theater teacher Joe Schulte. She has worked for five Jesuit and four lay principals and seen a great deal of change in the way the school is run over the years. “I really think it’s more serious. I think in general, that people are more aware of the image of the school, maybe because of competition with the other schools,” said Klenklen. “You’re always aware that you’ve got to put your best foot forward, because if you don’t, you miss out.” As the school has changed, particular moments and eras—good and bad—stand out from the rest. “The years during the Vietnam War students were very apt to protest inside the building, and there were several times (students) had sit-downs,” said Klenklen. “I think it was very hard for the administration. It was very hard for the students because they didn’t want to go to war, and unless they got into college, and they could get deferred, they were going to be drafted. There was a lot of unrest in this school then.” Despite a great deal of social and technological change, the students have remained a constant, according to Klenklen. “The student body I don’t see that big a change. The clothes they wear, the music they listen to and that kind of thing has changed a lot, but from my point of view they’re still very respectful and take academics very seriously,” said Klenklen. Keefe noted that any time someone as tenured as Klenklen retires, the school loses a great resource for historical memory. Klenklen has witnessed a large portion of SLUH’s modern development and roughly one-fourth of its 200-year history. She plans to travel in her retirement as well as volunteer in the coming fall, which will be her first outside of the Backer Memorial in a half a century. “The noise, the energy. It’s a place when you come in the morning, you can feel the energy, the movement. I think that’s what I’ll miss,” said Klenklen.
SLUH inline hockey JV coach Dave Richert ,’76, has been elected to the Missouri Inline Hockey Association Hall of Fame Richert has coached inline hockey at SLUH since the program’s inception.
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Volume 74, Issue 31
By: Nathan Rubbelke
Friday, May 21
Schedule R Water Polo Banquet 5:30pm Pax Christi Benefit Concert 6pm BASE @ District Tourney AP Snack—Mozzarella Sticks Lunch: Special—Brunch Healthy—Boat Load
Wednesday, May Underclassman Exams
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Saturday, May 22 BASE @ District Tourney TRK @ Sectional Meet TENN @ Sectionals
Thursday, May Underclassman Exams BASE @ Quarterfinals TENN @ State
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Calendar
Sunday, KEEN 12pm
May 23
Friday, May 28
Last Day of Exams! TRK @ State TENN @ State
Tuesday, June 1 Underclassman Grades Due Driver’s Ed. 8am (Thru June 4) Soccer Camp (Thru June 4) Varsity Football Camp (Thru June 4)
Friday, June 4 BASE @ State (Thru June 5)
Monday, June 7 Hot Transitions (Thru June 11) Summer Classes Begin Fr Summer Health Session 1 (Thru June 25) Fr Computers sessions 1 and 2 (Thru July 2) Fr. Grammer/Reading, Math (Thru July 1) Baseball Camp (Thru July 2)
Saturday, June 19 Father/Son Golf Tournament 7am
Monday, June 28 Senior Satire (Thru 7/21)
Saturday, July 3 Mandatory Dead Period for Athletics (Thru 7/11)
Monday, August 2 STUCO Leadership Training (Thru 8/2)
Saturday, August 7 Senior Advisor Orientation/Re treat (Thru 8/8)
Monday, August Fall Sports Begin
Monday, August 16
Tuesday, August 17 Faculty/Staff Welcome Back Social 6pm
Wednesday, August Soph./Jr/Sr Meetings Freshman Orientation Transfer Orientation Summer Reading Exams
Sunday, August 22
Monday, August 23 Schedule R Mother’s Club General Mtg 7pm
Tuesday, August Schedule R Emergency Drill AP
Faculty In-service (Thru 8/17)
KEEN 1pm
Friday, August 27 Schedule R First Edition, Volume LXXV of the Prep News SOC @ Gibault 7pm B SOC @ Gibault 5:30pm
Forecast printed with permission of the National Weather Service. St. Louis, Mo. Weather Forecast Office Phone: 636-441-8467 E-mail: w-lsx.webmaster@noaa.gov Compiled by Nick Fandos & Conor Gearin
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PN 74
May 21, 2010
*Lunch menu subject to change
Monday, May 24 Schedule R Senior Grades Due Rugby Banquet 6:30pm AP Snack—Beef Taquitos Lunch: Special—Chicken Rings Healthy—Chicken & Dumplings
Tuesday, May Schedule H Final Day of Classes BASE @ Sectionals
Saturday, May 29 Graduation Mass and Dinner 5pm TRK @ State TENN @ State
Sunday, Graduation 1pm
Saturday, June ACT 8am
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May 30
Monday, June 14 Grade School Basketball Camp (Thru 7/1) Upward Bound (Thru 7/15) Soph. and Jr Theology (Thru July 16) Summer Enrichment (Thru July 9)
Tuesday, July 6 Summer Classes, excluding weekends: Fr Health Session 2 (Thru 7/23) Fr Computer Session 3 and 4 (Thru 7/30)
Monday, July 19 Field House Closed for Cleaning (Thru 8/6)
Tuesday, August 10 Direction Days (Thru 8/13) New Teacher Orientation (Thru 8/13)
Saturday, August 14 Blue/White Football 7:30am XC Alumni Race 9am
Thursday, August Schedule R Classes Begin
Friday, August 20 Schedule R Back to School Mixer 7pm
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Wednesday, August 25 Emergency Drill AP Back to School Night
Thursday, August Schedule L
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