Issue 4: The Hype Awakens

The Hype Awakens CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

FOOTBALL, MONEY, POWER ....... 03 MODERN-DAY MILKMAN.......................05 BEST OF 2015...................................... 15 PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ADDISON SHERMAN

NW

Northwest

PASSAGE ISSUE 04 TABLE OF CONTENTS

04

RUN THESE STREETS

07

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

08

MONTH IN #’S

11

THE HYPE AWAKENS

17

Kansas City plans for the opening of the KC Streetcar

11

REbeL celebrates the Cougar Community during their “be Thankful Week”

Trending hashtags across Nov. and Dec.

A new generation looks to rediscover the Force in theaters

LOOKING BACK ON 2015

We look back on some of the biggest events of this year

18

DON’T BE A COUCH POTATO

20

DEVELOPING THE CULTURE

Couch to 5K club gives students and teachers an outlet to be active and fit

04

The morning weights program encourages athletes to continually improve

20

STAFF PUBLICATION OVERSIGHT: Co-Print Managing Editor Grace Gorenflo Co-Print Managing Editor Sophie Flores Online Managing Editor Jack Lynch CONTENT MANAGEMENT: Design Editor Copy Editor Photo Editor Photo Editor

Paden Chesney Paige Eichkorn Addison Sherman Taryn Smith

SECTION EDITORS: News Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor Feature Editor Entertainment Editor Social Media Editor Social Media Editor

Jack Lynch Grace Gorenflo Sophie Flores Matt Owens Cadie Elder Keegan Dolinar Joshua Sherfy Rebecca Carroll

STAFF SECTIONS: Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Ads Manager Staff Designer Staff Designer Staff Designer Staff Designer

Carter Adam Ben Becker Kasey Gardner Jackie Sayers Jennifer Silva Maddison Jarman Rachel Bateman Shelby Beaumont Mia McDonald Makaila Williams

The purpose of the Northwest Passage is to relay important and interesting information to the community, administration and students of the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. As a newsmagazine, the Northwest Passage will cater to the interests and concerns of the student body. Outside concerns and activities will only be covered if they somehow affect the school or students. The Northwest Passage is a 24page newsmagazine. The paper will be distributed every four weeks during second hour. Subscriptions will be available to the community for $25. The Northwest Passage firmly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. The content of the newspaper will be determined and created by the entire staff. When questions concerning word choice, legal problems or ethics arise the editorial board and adviser will discuss the problem to find the solution. In these cases, the editor-in-chief and editorial board will have the say in all decisions. Letters to the editor will be accepted and encouraged. The staff reserves the right to edit for grammatical mistakes, length and good taste. Letters may attack policy but not people. In no way will ideas or viewpoints be changed. The editor-in-chief and editorial board reserve the right to refuse any letter.

02 DEC. 11, 2015 | Vol. 47

FOOTBALL,

PHOTO BY ADDISON SHERMAN

L

money, POWER

ost money. When this powerful two-word phrase is thrown around in college football, it makes athletic directors and school presidents shiver and shake. Both of them know that lost money could spell catastrophe for any major university.

When the Missouri Tiger football team went on strike demanding president Tim Wolfe’s resignation over his “mishandling of racist events,” it created an uproar in both Columbia, Mo., and throughout the U.S. The racist incidents were not the only reasons the team went on strike. It was also their dismal 4-5 record before they played Brigham Young University (BYU).

One anonymous player told ESPN, “If we were 9-0, this would not be happening.”

After the strike, the national media painted Columbia as “unlivable.” It took only 24 hours for the president to resign. Meanwhile, Jonathan Brown had been on a hunger strike for a week and, for months, persistent protests had focused on “racist incidents.”

Why did Wolfe resign after the team went on strike?

There is one crystal clear answer.

Money.

If Missouri had not played BYU, they would have had

to pay a total of $1 million to Arrowhead Stadium and BYU for breach of contract and would also have lost additional money as were forced to refund tickets. To avoid this, Wolfe stepped down. The administration gave into the team because of the money involved. If any other sport would have went on strike it would not have been a big deal and Tim Wolfe would still be president.

If it would have been an FCS (Football Championship Series) Division II or III or a smaller FBS (Football Bowl Series) it would not be a big deal. College football is an enormous money maker in the power five conferences (ACC, Big 12, Big 10, PAC-12 and SEC) and the money they make goes to other athletic teams and academic programs.

Let’s take Oregon, for example. They made $196 million from football last year after reaching the college football playoffs. After $110 million in expenses, the school had a net profit $86 million which could be spent on other athletic and academic programs. If the Oregon team went on strike losing any part of the $86 million would be huge for the school. A tremendous loss to that school. Although Oregon is a powerhouse, even the University of Kansas who has had a dismal record the

University of Missouri timeline of events emb Nov er 3

Jonathan Butler goes on a hunger strike.

Nov.4

A student boycott in support of Butler begins.

+BY MATTHEW OWENS

last couple of season made $7 million last year.

College football athletes at major schools have something almost superior to money. They have power. If they want to see change, all they have to do is strike. There will be no substantial consequences to them. A football team can control a university if there is a problem on campus that the team doesn’t think is addressed properly. They can go on strike until either some important position at the university has resigned or the problem has been resolved. They have substantial amounts of power.

When the Missouri football team went on strike, athletic directors and presidents across the country freaked out for a minute. They realized that a similar incident at their universities could cost their jobs.

Power to the players allows players to make sure they are being heard on campus. It seems that players can now have say in university policies rather than simply being quiet and playing like the football players who came before them. This power, if used correctly, could be a good thing, but if players strike over little things, this could also destroy college football.

At this point, I’m not sure how it will all shake out, but I do know one thing: college football is changing.

6 8

Nov.

University President Tim Wolfe issues an apology to Concerned Student 1950.

HOW MUCH POWER DO COLLEGE FOOTBALL ATHLETES HAVE?

Nov. The football team goes on strike with support of head coach Gary Pinkel and most players.

r

Nov.9 President Tim Wolfe resigns.

NW PASSAGE | opinion 03

RUN these

STOPS River Market North

Streets

PHOTOS BY SHELBY BEAUMONT

KANSAS CITY PLANS FOR THE OPENING OF THE KC STREETCAR While the heart of the heartland was once a few sizes too small, it’s now growing and Kansas City’s transportation system is growing with it.

Constructing a revival of the streetcar system that existed in Kansas City over 50 years ago, RideKC plans to open the Downtown KC Streetcar starter line for use in early 2016.

“The streetcar will be free to ride and there will be free Wi-Fi on the streetcar route and at the 16 stops along the way,” KC Streetcar Authority Communications Manager Donna Mandelbaum said. “It’s climate-controlled, so it can run in all sorts of weather. It’s also level boarding, which means you can roll your bicycle on. If you’re in a wheelchair, you can roll on and off. It makes it very accessible to all sorts of riders. We really feel that this is a game changer to Kansas City.”

The two-mile starter line goes from the River Market to Crown Center and is the first step of a regional transit system that will connect Kansas City neighborhoods. KC Streetcar #801 was tested under its own power for the first time Nov. 12, and testing continues.

“A fixed rail line connects neighborhoods, unlike a bus,” Mandelbaum said. “Bus routes could change depending on budget or ridership.

Development usually follows pretty steadily around a fixed rail line. Since 2012, there’s been

Cost: Free, for now

04 DEC. 11, 2015 | Vol. 47

over $1.5 billion invested in downtown… which goes to show that this is an economic driver in addition to being a transportation project.”

The KC Streetcar project has produced jobs in the construction industry and, once it’s up and running, will create more, such as streetcar operators and maintenance workers. RideKC hopes that the streetcar system will not only provide efficient transportation and new jobs, but also attract residents to downtown businesses, assisting the growth of the city.

“If you look ecologically, it’s definitely a way of cutting down on the emissions,” computer applications teacher Jane Stanley said. “For people like me who have a large family getting into downtown and then finding parking is much more complicated when you have to drive versus using mass transit to get around the city.”

Stanley moved to the area six years ago from Phoenix, where she and her family used the streetcar system that has run through Phoenix for over 100 years.

“I think it’s helping the environment and I think it’s a more cost effective way to navigate the city,” Stanley said. “It’s overall a lot easier for people to get to different places in the city.”

For more information, visit KCStreetcar.org.

Mon.-Thurs. 6 a.m. to midnight Fri. 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Sat. 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Sun. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

City Market

North Loop

Library

Metro Center

Power & Light

Kauffman Center

+BY GRACE GORENFLO

Hours:

River Market West

Perks: Wi-Fi available on the streetcar and at the stops along the way, climate controlled for varying weather conditions, level boarding for easy rolling on and off

Crossroads

Union Station

“

Modern-day Milkman

[The best part is] meeting new people,” Shatto milkman Aaron Wright said. “Seeing the smile on their faces and just being there as someone who can give them what they want and make them happy.”

E

very week the milkman whistles happily as he drops off bottles of fresh milk to families. Sounds like the ’50s, right?

As of September, Shatto Milk has brought the milkman and home delivery back.

“My grandmother used to tell me how neat it was that she could get her milk and eggs,” Shatto milkman Aaron Wright said. “She’d wake up in the morning and there they were.”

Shatto isn’t just delivering milk to KC Metro customers. They’ll also deliver locally produced bread, eggs, meats and more. The service will expand as customers sign up for the service throughout the KC area.

Wright worked as a grocery store delivery man for three years until he was asked to deliver fresh farm products to customers’ houses. On Wednesdays his route runs throughout the KC Metro area and on Thursdays he delivers to Fort Leavenworth and Lansing.

“I deliver to over 200 people and I haven’t had a bad experience with anybody,” Wright said. “I’ve had a lot of kids who like to meet me at the door. It’s been fun [to meet] really nice customers.”

Due to an increase in products, there was no better time than the present to bring back home delivery.

“It really came down to what we saw as an opportunity in Kansas City because it was successful in other places,” founder Matt Shatto said. “We were finally in a position

A STORE ON wheels wheels Shatto Milk offers:

Shatto Milk company has started delivering milk, eggs, bread and other products to Kansas Citians’ homes where we had enough milk to do it and that’s what we were waiting on.”

According to Shatto, 2,000 people registered in the first month to have products delivered to their homes.

“Everything is exceeding our expectations,” Shatto said. “We’re letting people sign up on our website and based on where they are located is where we will expand to next. We’re leaving it up to the customer.”

Milk is just the beginning of the fresh goods Shatto has to offer for delivery. The Starter Bundle includes a gallon of skim milk, butter, eggs, bacon, ground beef and bread as well as the Shatto Porch Box. “Just to be clear, we define ‘local’ as coming from the KC Metro area,” Shatto said.

“So when you purchase products on Shatto Home Delivery, your money is going back to a business in the community. And, oftentimes, those businesses are small and family-owned.”

Customer satisfaction is the number one goal for the company.

“We’re hoping to, one: bring the freshest and the most local products to customers homes,” Shatto said. “Two: provide our suppliers with a consistent avenue to get their products to customers. And three: we are seeking to create memories and experiences for our customers in Kansas City who have not been able to experience this since the 1950s.”

... and much more.

HOW DOES home delivery work?

1.

Register for home delivery at ShattoHomeDelivery.com

2.

Place a recurring order

3.

Customize weekly order

4.

Milkmen pick up products from local farms and vendors

5.

Look on your porch!

+ BY PAIGE EICHKORN

NW PASSAGE | feature 05

Towing - Jump Start - Lockouts Volume Towing - Transportation

06 DEC. 11, 2015 | Vol. 47

Attitude of

GRATITUDE NW

mom and yoga instructor Heather Clark leads REbeL members in poses such as the tree pose, sun salutations and warrior two, helping them to unwind at the end of a busy “be Thankful Week.”

Yoga Friday, as well as the rest of “be Thankful Week” was part of a week-long theme of gratefulness.

“The purpose of ‘be Thankful Week’ is to focus on being thankful for others but we also want to stress the importance of being thankful for ourselves,” national program director Jessica Betts said. “We want to be thankful for all of the things that take place around Thanksgiving but — in addition — express thanks for our bodies and everything they do for us.”

This week of celebration included a different focus every day: thankful for faculty, thankful for friends, thankful for yourself, thankful for others and thankful for your body. On Thursday, REbeL members handed

MONDAY:

TUESDAY

Thank you notes for faculty and administration

Thank you notes for friends

WHAT REBEL IS THANKFUL FOR

REBEL CELEBRATES THE COUGAR COMMUNITY DURING THEIR “BE THANKFUL WEEK” + BY GRACE GORENFLO / PHOTOS BY MICHELLE MARTINEZ

out compliment cookies at lunch.

“My favorite day is definitely compliment cookies because everybody loves it,” junior officer Rhiannon Wilhite said. “They’re like, ‘Oh, it has cute little compliments,’ and it makes people smile. You’re like, ‘Hey, it’s free,’ and they’re like, ‘Really?’ and you’re like, ‘Yeah, you’re cute.’”

Compliment cookies, Whiteboard Wednesdays, thank you notes and yoga are all a part of REbeL’s push to foster a more positive culture.

“Sometimes we highlight more of the negative things happening around us and more of our problems,” former sponsor Beth Jantsch said. “If we really think about all the good things that we have in our lives, and the things we should be thankful for, it sometimes outweighs the bad. We should always try to concentrate on the good.”

WEDNESDAY: THURSDAY: Whiteboard Wednesday

Compliment cookies

FRIDAY: Yoga

Left: Notes of gratitude lay on a table while sophomore Piper Schurman and Cadie Elder make more for teachers on Nov 13 in rm 151.

They were preparing for BeThankful Week sponsored by ReBel. Right: Sophomore Piper Schurman and Cadie Elder stuff teachers’ mailboxes with letter of gratitude on Nov. 16. There was an act of gratitude everyday of the week.

“ “ “ “ “

I am thankful for the newfound acceptance of fanny packs.”

— Piper SChUerman SOPHOMORE

I am thankful for the confidence that the people in REbeL have given me.”

— Rhiannon Wilhite JUNIOR

I’m thankful for my supportive family and friends, my many wonderful mentors and teachers and theateR. I’m also extremely thankful for everyone in IB because God knows I can’t do that alone.”

— Rebecca Carroll SENIOR

I am thankful for my supportive and caring friends and family.”

— Katie Born SENIOR

I’m thankful for the opportunities that I’ve been blessed with.”

—Jack Kuckelman SOPHOMORE

NW PASSAGE | feature 07

Month in TRENDING HASHTAGS ACROSS NOV. AND DEC. + BY JACK LYNCH

#S ‘

#WorldAIDSDay

World AIDS Day was Nov. 30. The day is dedicated to the continued research and eventual eradication of the HIV/AIDS Virus by 2030.

In 2014, 1.2 million people had died as a result of AIDS.

#kubball

NCAA Basketball has started and, yet again, KU is the favorite to win the Big 12 for the 12th straight year. With Perry Ellis, Frank Mason III, Jamari Traylor and Wayne Selden Jr., KU is also a favorite to reach the Final Four.

#SanBernadino

Around 11 a.m. Dec. 2 two assailants opened fire at a party in San Bernardino, Calif.

The shooters killed 14 people and wounded 21 more. Both suspects were killed during a gun battle with police. This was the 355th incident of four or more people being killed or injured by a firearm this year, and was the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012.

#kobe

Kobe Bryant announced his plan to retire from the NBA following the 2015-2016 season. During his 20-year career, Kobe has been a 17-time all-star and a 15-time member of the All-NBA Team. He has won five NBA Championships and two Olympic gold medals.

#KylieJenner

Kylie Jenner offended the disabled and many others when she did a photoshoot in a wheelchair. People are posting pictures of themselves and others who genuinely need wheelchairs while calling Jenner out for appropriating their disability for fashion.

08 DEC. 11, 2015 | Vol. 47

1.

2.

3.

4.

ADOPT A

TOT

5.

1. Adopt-a-tot participant Lyanna looks through the gifts in her stocking on Dec. 4 in room 132. US History teacher Brooke Moore, seniors Emilie Amunatigui, Faith Mora, and juniors Haley Brown and Selena Hernandez went shopping for gifts for their adopt-a-tot child on Dec. 2. PHOTO BY SHELBY BEAUMONT 2. Adopt-a-tot Christian eats a cookie given to him by junior Reed Williams. Christian played with highschoolers, ate food, and met Santa Claus during the annual adopt-a-tot day at NW. PHOTO BY NICK KAHTAVA 3. Rolling around to imitate a puppy, Christian plays with teacher Susan Massy in her classroom while they celebrate holiday festivities such as eating, opening presents, and meeting Santa Claus. PHOTO BY NICK KAHTAVA 4. Junior Noah Kendall decorates room 132 for Adopt-a-tot on Dec. 4. Kendall’s class decorated with lights and balloons to welcome their tot. PHOTO BY SHELBY BEAUMONT 5. Adopt-a-tot participant Ella sits beside sophomore Jenny Silva while watching an episode of Barbie Dream House in room 212 on Dec. 4. After opening her gifts, Ella sat with students of Anthony Kinney’s Algebra 2 fourth hour class eating snacks and watching Netflix shows. “We put a lot of planning into [adopt-a-tot] and we got to see how happy it made Ella,” Silva said. “And it was priceless”. PHOTO BY

SHELBY BEAUMONT

NW PASSAGE | feature 09

THE FINEST COMPLIMENT I COULD EVER RECIEVE IS A REFERRAL FROM MY FRIENDS AND CLIENTS! GO COUGARS!

PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE NORTHWEST COUGARS!

1/30/16

10 DEC. 11, 2015 | Vol. 47

The Hype Awakens

PHOTO BY ADDISON SHERMAN

NW PASSAGE | feature 11

THE HYPE AWAKENS CONTINUED

BLOODLINES

Star Words

If you are a Padawan, you’re going to need to study this list before you see the movie + BY JOSH SHERFY

Cleigg Lars

CLONE (STORM) TROOPERS: The foot soldiers of the Empire. Created to mimic the genetic information of a notorious bounty hunter, Jango Fett.

DEATH STAR: A moon sized space station that acts as base for the operations of the Empire.

Shmi Skywalker

step father

“uncle” Owen Lars Beru Lars

Jobal Nabe

Ruwee Naberrie

Anakin Skywalker Padme Amidala (Darth Vader) Queen of Naboo

Bail Organa Prince Consort

YODA: A legendary Jedi master he was. Strong was his connection with the force.

DROID: Any robotic entity within the universe. Specifically programmed to perform tasks unfit or impossible for organic life.

FORCE: AN ALL ENCOMPASSING AND EVER PRESENT POWER WITHIN THE STAR WARS UNIVERSE THAT CAN BE HARNESSED AND INTERPRETED THROUGH TRAINING.

adopted parents

twins

Mara Jade

luke Skywalker

THE EMPIRE: A fictional government rooted on universal domination

twins

HYPERSPACE: Allows for intergalactic travel at rates of speed one thousand times the speed of light.

Ben Skywalker

JEDI: A member of a mystical knightly order that is trained to guard peace and justice in the universe.

LIGHTSABER: A sword whose blade is a powerful laser or beam of light, the chosen weapon of the Jedi Knights.

MILLENNIUM FALCON: The smuggling starship of choice for Han Solo and his counterpart Chewbacca.

PADAWAN: A Jedi in training.

THE REBEL ALLIANCE: The organized force of interplanetary systems set to defend the galaxy from the Empire.

SITH: A sect of Jedi’s that look to harness the power of the dark side of the force for evil.

WOOKIE: An intelligent species of bipeds. Originate from the planet of Kashyyyk.

star wars

quiz + BY BEN BECKER

12 DEC. DEC.11, 11,2015 2015||Vol. Vol.47 47 12

adopted parents

Princess Leia Organa Han Solo

Jaina Solo

Jacen Solo (Darth Caedus)

A

what I’ve been hearing about Star STAR WARS XOXO RUMOR BOY +Here’s

BY CARTER ADAM

S

So Star Wars Episode 7 The Force Awakens is coming out soon. The upcoming f films are going to be different than the others. Apparently, Cinema Blend is saying that – unlike other movies – a female role will play a much bigger part in the story than previous movies. Like in other movie it was like Leia’s only purpose to be Han’s squeeze and be related to Luke.

Screen Rant is also throwing out that Kylo Ren, being played by Adam Driver, is supposed to be the new

Darth Vader. They’re also speculating that he could fill the shoes of Darth Vader. Let’s be honest, is this new villain gonna be anywhere close to Big Daddy Darth?

The site Techradar is trying to get readers to believe that in the newest poster of Episode VII, the moon in the background is not actually a moon.

I’m no astronomer, but it seems pretty obvi it’s a new type of Death Star.

According to Classicalite, in

this movie, Jedis are jus and is just a thing of the though in Return of the made you believe that the was reformed. BUT, ho Classicalite know? Disne Abrams have been so secr this movie, it’s like they out in a tree house in Geor back yard. They have no rea to prove this. We can alm of this as yet another ru another fanboy/fangirl.

Which of these were the titles of the original movies?

Who was Luke Skywalker’s first mentor?

Who killed Qui-Gon Jin?

A. Return of the Jedi, A New Hope, Revenge of the Sith B. The Phantom Menace, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi

A. Yoda

A. Darth Maul

B.Qui-Gon Jin

B.Darth Vader

C. The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith

C. Obi-Wan Kenobi

C. Count Dooku

D. A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi

D. Anakin Skywalker

D. Darth Sidious

Star Win

Star Worst

Star Wars is the best movie series of all time

The series is the biggest disappointment in the galaxy

errie

Breha Organa Queen of Alderaan

o

Anakin Solo

r Wars

st a myth past. Even Jedi Lucas Jedi Order ow would ey and JJ retive with y’re hiding rge Lucas’s al evidence most think umor from

?

S

+ BY KEEGAN DOLINAR

Star Wars was ground-breaking from the first moments of the film. Just showing a field of stars, Star Wars did something that no other film had ever done. It panned the camera upward.

That does not sound like much, but think about other movies that take place in space, have they ever done that? It was a small innovation foreshadowing the originality of the series.

Star Wars is one of a kind, giving a compelling Sci-Fi story arc that many of us grew up with. George Lucas struck gold when he first came up with the concept that continues to produce original content 38 years later.

Can anyone imagine a life growing up, not being able to play with lightsabers and watching in awe as Luke learns to use the force for the first time? I most certainly cannot. The nostalgia I get from hearing the theme play over a rolling text intro signifies that I am going on a thrill ride of action and science fiction. To this day nothing else has lived up to the unique style of this film franchise.

While the prequel trilogy is not as high of quality as the original trilogy, it still adds lore and another side to the Star Wars universe while upgrading the CGI (computer generated images). If you have not yet watched this series of generation-defining storytelling and moral teachings, it is a must watch.

I have already bought my ticket for the new movie coming out later this month.

I

+ BY KASEY GARDNER

I had always heard that Star Wars was one of the best movies known to man. I heard it was filled with lots of action, attractive actors and amazing battles. Naturally, I had high hopes and expectations for the movie.

I’ve never been more disappointed in my entire life.

After trying to watch multiple Star Wars episodes, the only one I could stomach was Episode IV: A New Hope, and even that was a close call.

I understand that the Star Wars films are sci-fi, and that can be a tough genre to get into. However, I have seen and read plenty of other sci-fi stories that I loved. When watching a movie like this you have to be open minded to weird things that are beyond the norm, but Star Wars takes it too far. It becomes overwhelming when robots, strange creatures, huge spaceships and princesses are all thrown together in one film.

When I first saw Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, not only did she look like a potato with two honey buns stuck to her head, but her acting left me annoyed and irritated.

Whenever she would try to look frightened, she ended up looking constipated.

While enduring this torture, I tried to focus on the actual storyline of the movie, but the music and background noises were incredibly distracting. All I could think about was how frustrating and loud it was.

The lightsaber battles did not keep me on the edge of my seat. It was so clearly fake. The actors moved slowly and awkwardly. The way they battled reminded me of small children having a sword fight with sticks in the back yard. It was a huge letdown.

After watching the movie, I debated whether to stab my eyes out. I couldn’t get over the fact that I would never get back the 2 hours and 16 minutes of my life that was spent watching Star Wars.

I detest Star Wars. I never want to subject myself to that level of boredom again. If it were up to me, George Lucas would be arrested for poisoning the minds of humanity.

VS

“

Star Wars is one of a kind, giving a compelling Sci-Fi story arc that many of us grew up with.”

What monster does Jabba the Hutt keep in his palace?

A. Sarlacc

If you want to feel what it is like to blast rebel scum, or take down the evil machines of the empire, then no game has matched the latest incarnation of the beloved Battlefront series. The graphics look great, the visuals feel right out of the old trilogy and the sound – oh my god – it feels like they ripped the sounds right out of the Star Wars universe. I have to say piloting an X-Wing and taking out some TIE fighters in a game like this really makes me appreciate the attention to detail that DICE put into this game.

That being said the fact that it is an EA game, tells us that there is a bigger business plan in the works. They have stripped down the original release of this game to make way for expansion packs.

There are nine game modes, the best being “Walker Assault” and “Heroes vs Villains” but I can say right now the other seven game modes are still worth a try. It’s great to pick up and play a few rounds at a time while you are wearing your fanboy goggles. You soon realize it is lacking in content in comparison to the games PS2 predecessors.

After about two or three expansion pack releases, this game should be at a great point, but the fact that we need to wait that long puts a damper on the overall experience. Either way if you love the Star Wars universe, this is a great game. Even though the Empire (EA) is trying to hold it back and make some more money, I think the content that will be released will make it that much better.

+ BY KEEGAN DOLINAR

What Planet did the Death Star blow up first?

A. Kashyyyk

What planet were clones made on?

What does AT-AT stand for?

A. Utapau

A. All Terrain Assault Transport B. Advanced Terrain Attack Transport

B. Space Slug

B. Alderaan

B. Kamino

C. Dianoga

C. Dagobah

C. Bespin

D. Rancor

Star Wars Battlefront

D. Hoth

D. Coruscant

C. All Terrain Armored Transport D. Advanced Terrain Armored Transport

ANSWERS: D,C,A,D,B,B,C

s

NW PASSAGE | feature| 11 NW PASSAGE feature 13

THE HYPE AWAKENS CONTINUED Join, or do not. There is no try.

All are welcome to Star Wars club, Mondays 2:45-3:45.

L

ightsabers illuminate a darkened room 153 after school, as students talk Jedi philosophy, clone armies and the power of the Force. Club sponsor Billy Dent presides over the happenings like Palpatine over his Empire.

“I think at Northwest there should be a club for everybody,” Dent said. “This fills the need for people who don’t necessarily fit into any other clubs. This gives people an opportunity to come together and do different types of things instead of just sports.”

Those who attend Star Wars club participate in a variety of activities such as playing Star Wars inspired video games, battling in trivia, watching the movies and above all else, having lightsaber battles.

“They bring three or four [lightsabers] and then they’ll just kind of mess around and fight against each other,” Dent said. “I don’t think it’s anything serious it’s just ‘Hey let’s turn the lights off and have the lightsabers glow in the dark and pretend that we’re fighting.’”

+ BY BEN BECKER

Junior Star Wars club member Andy Chanthalhaka often participates in these duels.

“They are so fun, except when you get hit, because people show no mercy.”

At the beginning of the year junior Star Wars club president Joey Procell came up to him with the plan, and Dent seemed like a fitting choice for sponsor.

“They’re the ones who started it. Star Wars is more than just movies,” Dent said “It’s kind of a cultural thing. It has movies, videogames, comic books, novels, toys, conventions and all kinds of stuff.”

Procell is an avid Star Wars fan who wants to share his knowledge and love for Star Wars with the rest of the school.

“I like Star Wars, and I couldn’t believe there wasn’t a Star Wars club yet,” Procell said.

Dent was happy to take on the job of sponsor.

“I’ve always just kind of been a fan,” Dent said. “They’re good movies. I was glad that someone

wanted to start a club so that I could kind of lend my experience.”

Chanthalhaka was thankful to have Dent at the head of the club because of his knowledge of the Star Wars universe.

“He’s very knowledgable about everything Star Wars and I’m not, so he’s bringing that knowledge down onto us,” Chanthalhaka said.

There is one problem facing Star Wars club now, it’s not a stormtrooper invasion or the dark side calling them over, but recruiting more members. Whether it was the complex storyline, compelling character development or Carrie Fisher in a metal bikini that first drew you to the Star Wars universe, come to the club to expand your knowledge.

“It’d be nice if we could get more people here,” Dent said. “We’d like to reach more to more casual fans, just to show them what the Star Wars universe holds. It’d be nice just to have more people in and experience this side of the Star Wars, just kind of, what it means”

LEAVE YOUR BLASTERS AT THE DOOR AMC and Cinemark crack down on costumes

S

tar Wars fanatics felt a large disturbance in the force when the news broke that movie theater chains AMC and Cinemark would not allow masks or blasters.

The standard costume rules were not changed in specifically for the upcoming movie, but the policy was not brought to attention until recently.

The news may be upsetting, but at a time when public safety has been jeopardized at such events, it isn’t surprising. Cloaks, capes and stormtrooper suits are all permitted, so long as movie goers leave their helmets and masks at home. No blasters or Jedi mind tricks will be permitted inside the building at any time.

The unfortunate news does not completely squash the rebellion. Both AMC and Cinemark have made allowances for lightsabers, so long as they are not turned on during the movie.

+ BY JOSH SHERFY

14 DEC. 11, 2015 | Vol. 47

PHOTO BY SYDNEY HENKENSIEFKEN

PHOTO BY SYDNEY HENKENSIEFKEN

DO NOT BRING THESE ITEMS: guns/ toy guns

food or drinks

filming devices

masks

h

PHOTO BY ALEXA STYERS

PHOTO BY NICK KAHTAVA

Best of Fall 2015

PHOTO BY TARYN SMITH PHOTO BY CHANDLER BADO

PHOTO BY ADDISON SHERMAN PHOTO BY CHANDLER BADO

1. Senior Ron Kopp raises his helmet in triumph as the Cougars gain 20 years on Oct. 9 at SM North. Cougars lost to the Olathe Northwest Ravens 29 to 50. 2. SADD advisor Sarah Dent prepares the chain of life to be hung on Oct. 22 in her classroom. Students from SADD and StuCo helped put together and hang the chain of life in the mall. 3. Senior Katy Terry is kissed by her father after being crowned 2nd runner up on Oct. 9 at the SM North Stadium. Terry was nominated by Spirit Club. “It was honestly so surreal [being crowned],” Terry said. “I never thought I’d make it this far after some of the decisions I have made in high school. I never thought I earned back respect from my peers, but it reassured me that I had and it was the greatest compliment I could receive.” 4. Senior Andrew Anderson runs onto the ball in attempt to get there before Olathe NW player on Sept. 29 at SM North. The Cougars won 3-2. 5. Senior Noel Fridley plays the guitar at the annual meet at the pole gathering on Sept. 23. Meet at the pole is a public display of Christianity that students and staff members may participate in. “I love it how everyone just can come together,” said Fridley. “We do it for the glory of God”. 6. Junior Alison Huddleston performs with drill team members at the KU Marching Festival at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 3. Huddleston has been a member of drill team since freshman year. “It’s always great to be dancing with all my friends,” said Huddleston. “Going out with them on that field was a great experience”.

NW PASSAGE | feature 15

GO COUGARS!

16 DEC. 11, 2015 | Vol. 47

looking

back on 2015 This Year’s Top Events + BY PAIGE EICHKORN + BY PAIGE EICHKORN

january 7

april 24

june 26

Gunmen dressed in bulletproof, black vests forced their way into a building two doors down from Charlie Hebdo, asking whoever they saw about the magazine. The six killed 12 people. Social Media responded to the attacks with “Je Suis Charlie” or “I am Charlie” in support of the victims.

In an interview with ABC, former Olympian and reality TV star Bruce Jenner told Diane Sawyer he was, in fact, a transgender woman. After undergoing many surgeries, he appeared as Caitlyn Jenner on the cover of Vanity Fair in June.

The Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states. President Barack Obama later spoke at the White House saying,“Americans should be very proud, slowly making an entire country realize that love is love.”

july 5

The United States won their third title in the FIFA Women’s World Cup against Japan. The final score was 5-2. — 7/5

sept. 22-28

Pope Francis visits the United States, becoming the fourth head of the Church to do this, nearly 50 years after Pope Paul Vl visited in 1965. — 9/22-28

sept. 30

The Country Club Plaza is offered for sale by owner Highwoods Properties. Eastdil Secured has handled the listing, so far no buyers have come forward. — 9/30

nov. 2-3

Royals win the World Series for the first time in 30 years, a parade and rally were held the next day in which 800,000 people total attended the events. — 11/2-3

nov. 13

ISIS suicide bombers hit six locations around Paris killing 130 people and wounding hundreds more.

Nationwide people responded with “Pray for Paris” in hashtags and on Snapchat stories. — 11/13

dec. 18

Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which made 6.5 million from advanced ticket sales premieres. — 12/18

NW PASSAGE | feature 17

Don’t be a

couch potato

COUCH TO 5K CLUB GIVES STUDENTS AND TEACHERS AN OUTLET TO BE ACTIVE AND FIT + BY MATTHEW OWENS / PHOTOS BY ABBIE ROBERTS

A hill.

The final challenge before the finish line.

A hill that takes every ounce of energy to just keep moving up it. The finish line is in sight. Sweat drips from her forehead. As she crosses the finish line, her hands go up.

“The crazy part is we crossed the finish in less time than we ever have done it before,” president Alpha Hill-Spearman said. “We had never actually practiced three miles. It seems like when you are looking at the finish line you go faster. It is the best feeling crossing the finish line and saying, ‘I just did my first 5K.’” The member who best represents the Couch to 5K club, according to sponsor Debra Brewer, is freshman Diamond Holt.

“On the first day, I was dead; I was really tired,” Holt said. “I couldn’t even walk for two miles. I just wanted to give up, but [I] continued to do it. I am glad that I continued it, and I think I have made a

lot of improvement.”

Holt has become a quiet leader, Brewer said, who leads by trying hard and never backing down from a challenge.

“She is the example because when it was hard, she didn’t quit,” Brewer said. “There were days where, honest to God, she finished crying. But she finished, and that is what Couch to 5k is all about.”

The experience of crossing the finish line would not have been possible if the club had not been started by Spearmen and Brewer as they took walks last spring to stay in shape.

“Me and Brewer started walking last year,” Spearman said. “We starting walking because she has health issues and I do also. So we just wanted to walk and we never thought it would be running.

Then we saw the Couch to 5K app. It took me a while. I was like ‘I don’t run.’ Finally we started Couch to 5K.” In Couch to 5K, the emphasis is not on time. The

group emphasizes consistent improvement as well as hard work and dedication.

“The goals for the club were to exercise a minimum of three times per week,” Brewer said.

“To improve every day of those three times a week.

To run further the day after than the day before.”

Another key piece of Couch to 5K club is motivation. Each member supports others in order for all of them to keep improving.

“As I encouraged them, they encouraged me back,” Spearman said. “It is a two-way street.

I might have the title of president, but we are all getting the same outlook and the same input that we want. I was very proud of the girls.”

The club has allowed people not in sports to improve their health in order to stay fit.

“You are able to get away from the problems you have,” Holt said. “You don’t have to think about anything. You can just be free and be happy.”

Left: Sophomore Anastasia Kling and Ciara Haygood run together during the Pilgrim Pacer on Nov. 15 at Shawnee Mission Park. Couch to 5k was formed to get girls who typically do not participate in sports for them to get in shape. Middle: unior Davia Clarke paces herself during the couch to 5k challenge at Shawnee Mission Park on Nov. 15. Though Clarke is on Varsity Track, she is in the club to stay conditioned and give up moral support to the fellow club members. Right: Teacher Laura Ramsey runs during the Pilgrim Pacer, the final leg to completing a six week program couch to 5k, on Nov. 15 at Shawnee Mission Park. Rasmey is the sponsor of the club, Couch to 5k.

What is Couch to 5K app?

O

18 DEC. 11, 2015 | Vol. 47

A national app that helps train people who don’t run on a regular basis for 5K’s It is based on walk/run intervals that gradually phase out the walking until you’re running for a full 3.1 miles 0 minutes a day, three days a week, nine weeks Costs $2.99 for both apple and android products.

Josh Clark the founder of Couch to 5k wrote the program in 1996 “It’s something you can actually do. You can actually follow the program and complete it. A lot of people have a history of failure with exercise, trying to do too much before they’re ready.

This program gives a lot of folks their first experience of success with physical fitness.”- Founder Josh Clark. Q&A with Kevin Callahan

Game Brenni Rose officially commits to Drake University to play basketball + BY JACKIE SAYERS

A

fter verbally committing to play basketball for Drake University as a sophomore, senior Brenni Rose signed a letter of intent Nov. 11.

“I have been waiting to become a Drake Bulldog for a very long time: 718 days, to be exact,” Rose said. “I really like the playing style at Drake and the coaches. I already have really close relationships with the whole team.”

Basketball has had an influence on Rose’s life for virtually her whole life.

“I’m a coach’s kid, so I’ve been playing for as long as I can remember,” Rose said. “Basketball helps me work with other people. It has really taught me to respect others on and off the court.”

Varsity girls’ basketball coach Tyler Stewart has only coached Rose for one full season, but Rose’s competitiveness was one thing that stuck out to Stewart immediately.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s basketball, dodgeball or kickball, [Brenni] wants to win,” Stewart said.

“You can see that on the court, that she is going to do anything she can to help her team win.”

Senior Carson Vielhauer, Rose’s teammate, also praises Rose’s work ethic and ability to motivate the team.

Home run W to

K-state Jared Marolf commits to K-State for baseball + BY JENNIFER SILVA

Driving to

Topeka

Senior Blake Allen signed his National Letter of Intent to Washburn + BY REED WILLIAMS

ith a smile on his face, senior Jared Marolf signed the contract that finalized his recruitment to Kansas State University. Now, Marolf can finally say he will begin playing baseball for K-State starting next year. “[Getting accepted] is a big relief,” Marolf said. “Before, when I wasn’t recruited, it was like a burden on your shoulders. Now I can just take a deep breath.”

Marolf began his baseball career at age three, thanks to his dad.

“My dad and my grandpa were some of my biggest influences,” Marolf said.

Since then, Marolf has been working hard.

All that practice has paid off.

“I’ve worked extremely hard,” Marolf said. “Probably more than I ever thought was capable of, honestly.”

Coach Domenic Mussat has worked with

A

s soon as senior Blake Allen was old enough to pick up a club, he was putting alongside his father, two older brothers and lifelong friend Christian Ghilardi.

“My dad played a little bit when I was young and would take me out to play every once in a while,” Allen said. “Me and my brothers caught on to the game really quickly and we really enjoyed playing.”

To Allen, Ghilardi has not only been a friend, but a supporter and teammate as well.

“I’ve known him my whole life,” sophomore Ghilardi said. “We’ve grown up together and we’re like brothers.”

Allen thrives on the camaraderie between his brothers and other teammates while on the course.

That camaraderie has played a vital role in his college decision.

“I chose Washburn because I have a brother that goes to school there and he loves it,” Allen said.

“It’s not a tiny school but it’s not giant, which is a plus for me. It will be different because the level of competition will be higher and I’m sure it will be much more serious and businesslike.”

“Brenni is a hard worker, and she motivates the team because she always wants to win,” Vielhauer said. “She is always determined to become better as a player.”

Stewart was also able to quickly appreciate Rose’s basketball IQ, or ability to understand the game at a high level.

“You can tell that [Rose] is a coach’s kid. She has a tremendous amount of knowledge about the game,” Stewart said. “She understands what needs to happen more than the average basketball player.”

Rose attributes her success as a basketball player to her parents who have motivated her from the very beginning.

“My parents have kept me humble. I am most grateful for how they taught me to love the game,” Rose said. “That’s a lesson I’ll never forget.”

Although Rose is thrilled to be playing at Drake next year, she admits she will miss her family a great deal.

“It’s going to be hard to leave my zoo of a family,” Rose said. “But I’m excited for the one I’ll gain at Drake.”

Marolf since his sophomore year.

“As a very optimistic coach with high expectations, I always expect my players to excel at baseball,” Mussat said. “However, Jared came to us as a freshman with a high projectability. He had a live arm with a good baseball stature. This combination had us knowing he was going to be a great player for us in the future.”

Marolf’s new opportunity came as no surprise to his teammate, junior Joe Todd.

“His work ethic is something to admire,” Todd said. “You can tell he’s wanted this opportunity for a long time. I’m glad he has it.”

For Marolf, college will be a big and exciting change.

“I expect it will be a big change from high school,” Marolf said. “It will be harder, but it will be fun.”

For the Allen family, the golf course has been a sanctuary.

“My favorite memory would have to be the trips to California over spring break the last few years,” Allen said. “My whole family goes. My grandma lives out there and we just relax and play golf every day as a family. Golf is one of the things that has made my family and I so close.”

From chipping onto greens to sinking challenging putts, head coach Jim Bamburg was there for Allen from the beginning of his high school career.

“He’s very fun to watch play, very creative,” Bamburg said. “He doesn’t miss too many fairways, he doesn’t miss too many greens, and when he has that putter going he can really tear it up.”

The game of golf has helped mold Allen character in a positive manner.

“Life is full of ups and downs and it’s how you deal with the rough times that define you as a person and it’s the same way in golf,” Allen said.

“You’re going to do some good and a lot of bad, but it’s how you come back after a bad shot or hole that defines you as a player.”

NW PASSAGE | sports 19

Developing the culture THE MORNING WEIGHTS PROGRAM ENCOURAGES ATHLETES TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVE + BY CADIE ELDER / PHOTOS BY NATE THOMPSON

At 6 a.m. every Monday and Thursday, the weight room is filled with athletes who want to do one thing: improve.

“I realized that, strength-wise, we were not at the level of our other competitors,” wrestling coach Howard Newcomb said. “I had a pretty good background [in weightlifting], so I figured if I can help my wrestlers, it would be in that area.”

Morning weights started three years ago. At first, it was just for wrestlers, but as the years went on, Newcomb opened the door to anyone willing to workout. During wrestling season morning weights is on Monday and Thursday but in the off-season, it is Monday through Thursday.

Newcomb’s father was a competitive lifter, and his fascination with weights started when he was five years old.

“I was a gym rat,” Newcomb said. “I thought it was really cool that he could lift so much weight, so I would get in there and I’d have a little bar and could barely lift that. By the time I was in fifth or sixth grade, I was squatting around 245 [pounds].”

Newcomb demonstrates the lifts he wants athletes to do. Once they get it right, it is their turn to be the teacher. Upperclassmen spend the morning guiding underclassmen through the steps and techniques to lift safely and at their own pace. Developing a culture of hard work, discipline and passion is Newcomb’s main goal.

“Their goal each week is never to use the same amount of weight they used the week before,” Newcomb said.

Newcomb created a workout routine that helps each

Smith and Tummon’s progress this year

individual build up his strength. His goal for every student is to improve by five pounds each week. If an athlete can’t do that, he tries again the next week. Newcomb doesn’t want athletes to get stuck at a particular weight when

“

I tell these guys all the time, I am not a morning person but [I want to] change the way they feel about working out.”

— wrestling coach Howard Newcomb

they could be lifting more.

“They develop this sense of pride,” Newcomb said.

“I preach to them, ‘Don’t ever stay the same. If you do, someone is passing you by.’ It is my attitude [in the weight room] and anywhere else [that you need] to be better today than you were yesterday. The athletes develop that attitude and want to get that extra five pounds.”

A Team Effort

Building up strength takes commitment. Juniors Tyler Tummons and Trenton Smith have been lifting weights together since 8th grade. They lift around the same amount of weight on four major lifts: clean, deadlift, squat and bench.

“It feels really good being one of the stronger people,”

Spring 2015

Fall 2015 total (600

name

squat

bench

clean

Tummons

270

165

115

245

Smith

270

165

145

255

20 DEC. 11, 2015 | Vol. 47

Smith said. “Just walking into the weight room, everyone else is [lifting] 45 [pounds] and you put three on [the bar].

You get everyone’s attention.”

Everyone in the weight room is trying to be in the exclusive 1,000 lb. club and Tummons and Smith are on their way. Tummons has a 335 lb. squat while Smith has a 380 lb. deadlift. The hardest part, Tummons said, is getting up early in the morning.

“Some mornings, the alarm goes off and you’re like ‘eh’,” Tummons said. “But you’ve got to think, by the end of the day, you’re going to know you did something good, and you’re going to feel better about it.”

Tummons is staying in shape for his club soccer team and the upcoming track season, while Smith is focusing on wrestling. Newcomb said athletes who encourage each other find the motivation to come to morning weights.

“Well, it’s teamwork,” Newcomb said. “It’s something that I tell the guys all the time. It’s never fun to workout by yourself. You get tired and you don’t have anyone there to push you. It’s important and vital to have that work out partner. That person who not only spots you but encourages you when you are tired. You [have] to show up for that person.”

Although they are trying to stay in shape and beat their own personal records, the weight room is not serious all the time.

“When there is someone going for PR (personal record) in the room,” Tummons said, “usually everyone gets around that one rack and we will all just encourage each other.”

total (600

name

squat

bench

clean

360

Tummons

290

160

165

295

910

400

Smith

275

195

170

290

930

deadlift Lb. Club)

deadlift Lb. Club)

PHOTO BY SHELBY BEAUMONT

Seniors

RUN OVER THE COMPETITION SENIOR GIRLS DEFEAT THE JUNIORS IN THE ANNUAL POWDERPUFF FOOTBALL GAME Junior and Senior girls each other on the line scrimmage during the girls’ powderpuff game on Nov. 21 at Little Mill Creek North Park. The Junior class began practicing in September to assure they were ready to face the seniors while the seniors practiced once. “We beat the seniors last year so if we didn’t win this year it would be pretty embarrassing,” Senior Skyler Hansen said.

O

n the soccer fields across from Mill Creek elementary school, junior and senior girls went head-to-head in the annual powderpuff football game around noon Nov. 21. The coaches, all varsity football players, screamed encouragement from the sidelines.

“I love the game of football, I’ve played it my entire life,” senior coach Ron Kopp said. “These girls really wanted to play, so I stepped in to become their coach and we had a fun time.”

In the practices leading up to the games, the coaches tried to teach the girls the fundamentals of football.

“Before I really didn’t know anything about football,” junior player Lauren Londeen said. “But the

coaches explained how to play and all the different positions. They also told us different code names for each play.”

During the game, the coaches of both teams were still teaching the girls about different aspects of football not covered in practice.

“Not a lot of girls showed up to our practices, so our strategy was kind of skewed and messy at first,” Kopp said. “I had to teach the girls the plays as the game went on, but we got it together and got a W.” The senior team proved too much for the juniors to handle, and ended up winning 21-14. Junior coach Xavier Perry admitted senior player Erica Esch was a big

part of the seniors’ success.

“Our strategy was just to try keep Erika Esch without the ball,” Perry said. “The senior team was good, but [Esch] was the main threat.”

After playing such a hard-fought game, Kopp is glad he was able to end his powderpuff experience with a win for his class.

“Erica was probably our best player, but our entire team played hard,” Kopp said. “They got a little dirty sometimes, but they all played a hard, tough game, and I’m proud of them.”

+BY JACKIE SAYERS

JUNIORS GET

Served

SENIOR AND JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL TEAMS COMPETE IN THE ANNUAL POWDERPUFF GAME

Left: junior Alex Oleson laughs with Colton Skeens and the rest of their team during a time-out in the semi-finals of powderpuff volleyball on Nov. 12 in the Aux Gym. Right: juniors Alex Oleson and Keaton Rex bump the ball over the net. The class of 2016 won their junior and senior years.

PHOTOS BY MADDY MANNING

F

than we would have at a normal season, so it was really cool to see people switch roles.”

Bird appreciated the energy her team brought to the game, and the support students had for the participating boys. Her team won the tournament for the second year in a row.

“My favorite part is seeing how excited the boys get, even though they don’t play this sport,” Bird said. “Seeing their energy, and the kind of friendly competition between the juniors and seniors for bragging rights ... it’s just really fun to watch and compete with your friends.”

our volleyball teams, complete with matching t-shirts and extra-short shorts, filled the auxiliary gym for the annual powderpuff volleyball game between junior and senior boys Nov. 12. As the boys competed against one another for bragging rights, girls’ volleyball players coached the teams corresponding to their grade level.

“I wanted to be a coach because freshman and sophomore year I always saw how much fun upperclassmen girls had with powderpuff,” senior coach Abbi Bird said. “I really wanted to get all the boys together in our grade, playing a game that I love to play.”

In preparation for the game, the teams held private practices where the coaches worked with their players

on the basics of volleyball.

“We had two very rigorous practices, working on a lot of hitting, blocking and spiking,” junior player Alex Oleson said. “And to get us in shape, we had the classic sprints, running a few times up Lackman. It really prepared us.”

Although junior coach Britta Coleman’s team didn’t win, she enjoyed the experience and is proud of her team.

“They worked hard,” Coleman said. “It was fun to see how the guys could get out on the hardwood and do pretty well, even though they’ve had basically no training,” Coleman said. “We had tons of fans, more

+BY JACKIE SAYERS NW PASSAGE | sports 21

22 DEC. 11, 2015 | Vol. 47

mockingjay part II The Mockingjay is back on screen for the final time. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) struggles to make a connection with Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) after being brainwashed by the Capitol, but they will have to work together sooner than they think.

Together Katniss, Peeta, Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Finnick (Sam Claflin) leave District 13 on a mission to assassinate President Snow (Donald Sutherland).

Jennifer Lawrence was the perfect actor to play the role of Katniss because she is a great example of female power, not only on the screen but off.

In the movie, Katniss has stepped outside of the

KRAMPUS

Krampus is the story of the Austrian Christmas demon who kidnaps and punishes those who no longer believe in the meaning of Christmas.

When the in-laws of Tom (Adam Scott) and Sarah (Toni Collette) come to town for Christmas, tensions are high.

When a cousin mocks their son Max’s letter to Santa, Max (Emjay Anthony) loses his belief in the holiday and throws his letter out the window. The family is then visited by demons in the forms of violent gingerbread men, killer teddy bears and maniacal elves, all servants of Krampus.

The acting was good all around. Scott, Colette and David Koechner, who plays a redneck brother-inlaw, all deliver solid performances, as do Conchata

stereotypical female roles and been the heroine who would rather die for Panem than stay on the sidelines.

Author Suzanne Collins created in Katniss a stoic female character who does not follow the typical female agenda. While Katniss does dress up in elaborate costumes, she does so for a purpose: to unite the people against the Capitol.

For the first time Peeta has depth. Because he is no longer overwhelmed by his love for Katniss, the audience can see Peeta in a whole new light. He struggles with the knowledge of what is real and not real in his life as a result of his torture by the Capital.

Ferrell and Krista Stadler as the rude Aunt Dorothy and German-speaking Grandmother, respectively.

What stood out was that the child actors were not terrible. Anthony especially did an especially good job. There was no weak link.

One of the few things that hurt the movie was the casting. Scott was great in Step Brothers where he played a jerk and he was great in Parks and Rec where he played a kind geeky man. Here he plays a normal guy and, after seven seasons of Parks and Rec, it is hard to see him as anything but Ben Wyatt. The same can be said for Koechner. He has played loveable yet odd characters for years in movies like Anchorman and Talladega Nights, but here he plays an unlikeable jerk. It was difficult to be pulled in when Champ Kind

The movie suffers from one major flaw. The industry has begun stretching average-sized books to become two movies. I understand that this allows them to make a lot more money, but it ruins the plot.

Some scenes dragged on too long and would be cut if it were one movie. At some points, I was wondering when the movie was going to end.

Although some scenes lasted a little too long, I’m sad to see this series end. I would happily watch them all again.

+ BY CADIE ELDER

and Ben Wyatt are the ones fighting off Christmas ghouls.

The visual effects were outstanding. From a horrifying jack-in-the-box, to Krampus himself, everything felt realistic. Darkly twisted and nightmare inducing, but realistic nonetheless.

Krampus is reminiscent of The Nightmare Before Christmas in its devilish twists on Christmas classic toys and themes, but Krampus is its own movie. It is a dark and twisted tale full of violence and cursing that undoubtedly stretched its PG-13 rating to the edge, but at its heart it is a tale about the power of our individual actions and the importance of belief.

+ BY JACK LYNCH NW PASSAGE | entertainment 23

PHOTO BY SHELBY BEAUMONT

bittersweet.

THIS BEING MY LAST YEAR OF POWDERPUFF IS I’M GLAD THAT I’LL BE ABLE TO TAKE THE MEMORIES OF PLAYING AND TRAINING FOR THE GAME WITH ME AFTER I GRADUATE.” — senior Erin Findlay