Vol 38 issue 7

•SOUTH maine

DECEMBER 7, 2001

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Have a heart...

In This ,

Issue:

NEWS: SUICIDE AWARENESS

COMMENTARY: THANK YOU HAWKS

FEATURES: JOHN LENNON

SPORTS: FOOTBALL FINISH

2 News ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ =

Suicide awareness

by Monica Bysiecki

Over the years, Maine South has established many programs and extracurricular activities promoting safety and awareness through knowledge and positive instruction.

S.A.D.D., Drug Prevention Week, and Peer Leaders are a few examples of these types of programs.

At Maine South and the two other district schools, a suicide awareness program was implemented a few years ago.

Depending on the year, the school decided to name one of the weeks in November or December Suicide Awareness Week.

This year, December 3-7 was designated as Suicide Awareness Week. The events of this week are meant to inform students about suicide and its risks.

On Monday, December 3, an assembly was held for freshmen and transfer students.

During this assembly, which took place in the auditorium while sophomores, juniors, and seniors attended homeroom and second period, a video was shown.

The contents of this video explained the warning signs of suicidal people and what leads people to become suicidal. It also tried

to show what one should and should not do if it is believed that a friend or relative is troubled and thinking about committing suicide.

After playing the video, a panel discussion was held. In this part of the assembly, social workers led a discussion with a group that covered the actions a student should and should not take, if there is ever a risk of suicide.

There was also time for the students to ask questions about suicide.

On Tuesday, December 4, freshman math classes were paused so crisis teams, groups of peer leaders selected and taught about suicide, could talk with the students.

Along with designated teachers, the crisis teams presented the myths and facts of suicide. The peers also addressed the correlation between depression and suicide and shared some shocking data and statistics about suicide and its victims.

Hopefully, the information presented to freshman and transfer students will prevent any tragic death from ever occurring.

-photo by Rachel Kalom

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 7, 2001

Teen Center

by Caroline Kim The Park Ridge Teen Center was established 15 years ago; it began as an effort to provide teens with a social environment where they would not be loitering on the streets. Laura Small, the coordinator of events at the center, states that its goal "is to provide a safe, nurturing atmosphere where young kids can go to have fun."

Open only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, the Park Ridge Teen Center is free of charge and hosts activities for teens to enjoy. Every Friday night is Pizza Night.

Various events are also arranged for certain days of the months. The Teen Center is open from 7 to 10pm on Thursday nights and from 7 to 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

For further information call (847)696-9211.

A list of event dates are as follows: Dec. 7, 2001, Jan. 18,2002Dinner and Movie Night Dec. 13 & 27, 2001, Jan. 10 & Feb. 14,2002Jr. High Night Dec. 22, 2001, Jan. 19 & Feb. 21, 2002Staff Challenge Night Jan. 26, 2002Make Your Own Sundae Night Feb. 16,2002Valentine's Band Night

December 7, 1787- Delaware is the first state to ratify the Constitution and becomes the first state in the modem United States.

December 7, 1941- Pearl Harbor is bombed by the Japanese, beginning U.S. participation in World War II. December 7, 1963- Instant replay is used for the first time.

December 7, 1983- The first execution by lethal injection takes place.

December 7, 1988- An earthquake in Armenia kills an estimated 100,000 people.

Slews 3

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 7, 2001

â&#x20AC;˘ Students of the month Art: Alex Aufmann, Shalanah Backus, Maria Lupo, Dierdre Murphy, Christina Verhelst, Diana Wolek Broadcasting: Andreanna Cecchini, Dan Floriano Business: Joseph Brutto, Toni Lima, Alexander Schallmo Drama: Kate McMahan, A! Pinter Driver Education: Jessica Cohen, Patricia Krysztopa English: Madeleine Agaton, Emily Altman, Michael Bajno, Karin Baty, Songa Blan, Craig Braun, Tina Bridnez, Magda Budziakowska, Cristina Curcio, Angelo Demakis, Ellen Dwyer, Eustina Fihpatos, Lisa Greco, Alec Humphries, Caroline Kochmit, Korie Krischke, James Lange, Maria Lupo, Helen Sapieka, Corinne Ullrich, Jack Wlezien, Sarah Yunker

Family and Consumer Science: Antonio Barbanente, Rebecca Desmond, Amy Lops, Aya Nakamura Foreign Language: Mary Johnson, Caroline Kochmit, Brittany McKay, Philip Pomagier, Liana Pini, Francisco Porcelli, Joanne Rinaldi, Mark Seske, Kathryn Solari Math: Michael Andresen, Christopher Bennett, Matthew Delance, Jerry Dhamer, Daniel Gugliuzza, Veit Jacob, Elizabeth Juiris, WilUam Kruesi, Christina Kuhr, Jessica Kuhr, Donna Liu, Alexis McQueen, Joshua Mandik, Nora Roche Music: Max Ortega, Robert Riddle, Natalia Sadowski, Laura Weaver Physical Education: Kathryn Bemdtson, Steven Burghgraef, Kelly Burke, Steven Contorno, Luke Erickson, Alexander

Hladczuk, Eileen Kapolnek, Samuel Kordys, Peter Kurinsky, Kelly Oenning, Christopher Sherman, Frank Simoncelli, Slawomer Smolen, Andrew Swantek Science: Craig Braun, Angelo Demakis, Patricia Diduch, Elise Dykema, Ryan Guerrero, Dawn Huck, Andrew Huening, Ehzabeth Juiris, Jenna Kelly, Stacy Kerber, Douglas Link, Natalie Matwijiszyn, Nicole Oddo, Michelle Schmidt, Jessica Spitelli, John Tzortzis Social Science: Chrissy Berke, Robin Clement, Stacy Hendrickson, Laura Jacox, Karoline Jaremkiewicz, Eleni Markos, Alexander Markovic, Liana Pini, Sara Prieto, Dorsa Samsami, Chris Sherman Technology: Shahbaz Baig, Paul Mazzarella, Donald Nielsen

.. .do y o u r p a r t !

by Julie Adamczyk Can you feel it? The hoUday season is once again upon us. 'Tis a time for giving, sharing, and relentless competition between the classes and faculty to raise the most money and food items for the needy. That's right folks-Food Drive!

This year, the theme for the annual Student Council Food Drive, which took place December 3-7, was "Have a Heart, Do Your Part." It's a message that should tug at the conscience and incite every person at Maine South to give a little of his or her holiday cash or some canned food to a worthy cause.

All monetary donations made to the Food Drive will be given to the Chicago Bears Care fund, an organization that will double our amount before putting it back into the community. All food donations will be donated to the Park Ridge Food Pantry.

Like years past, the Food Drive was a brutal and bloodthirsty competition between each class and the faculty to see which ^group had the most heart. Every evening, ihe happy Student Council elves counted up the money and food items collected, determining the point totals for each class.

All food items, as long as they were nonperishable and decent, were worth 200

points. A dollar donated was 100 points, a quarter was 25 points, a nickel was 5 points and so on. Pennies, the most exciting part of food drive, were worth -1 point. This means that freshmen, try as they might, usually lose the competition at the hands of penny-happy upperclassmen negating the points from their donations.

There were tons of great ways to do your part and stretch donations. As in past years, each day of the week had a fun incentive to get more points for each class total. Monday was Double Dollar Day: each dollar raised on this day counted as double points towards the class totals. Tuesday was Pencil Day: those who donated S1 received their very own Food Drive Pencil, which came in a variety of eraser colors!

Wednesday was Tomato/Potato Product Day; every non-perishable tomato or potato product collected counted as double points for class totals. Thursday was Pasta Day: once again, every non-perishable pasta product counted as double. These products were chosen because the Park Ridge Food Pantry asked for foodstuffs containing potatoes, tomatoes, and pasta, but all food donations were still welcome and appreciated.

Today, Friday, is Double Deduction Day, where pennies are worth -2 points. Thus they can be used as an effective tool to oust the leading class from their position. It's still not too late to get involved and donate! So now one must ask oneself, "How can I have a heart and do my part?" It's easy!

Throughout the week of Food Drive, all Student Council members carried around large and noisy paint cans to be filled with generous monetary donations and will continue to carry them for the remainder of the day. Or, if it be preferred, put pennies and nickels into the designated festive bottles in the cafeteria. Food items to be donated can be either given to a homeroom's collecting agent or brought directly to the Student Council Office at any time today.

Maine South must remember its blessings this holiday season and do our part as a community to share with others who are less fortunate. Although the final numbers have not been tallied and the winning class has yet to be determined. Student Council is sure that the members of Maine South have shown their spirit and have made "Have a Heart, Do Your Part" another successful Food Drive.

4 Commentary!

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SOUTHWORDS • DECEMBER 7, 2001

Letter to the Editors I i prosper t f - f ' - i o f

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by Britt Frederiksen A famous quote: "Chicago only has two seasons: winter and construction."

My not-so-famous opinion: Chicago only has two seasons: light and dark.

When I go to school, the sun is barely rising. By the time I get home, the moon is almost at its full height. When I go to bed, the light pollution from the city and O'Hare is almost drowned by the pitch black winter nights. When winter comes around, I become nocturnal.

In Sweden there are clubs with white washed walls, white chairs, white bathrobes, pure oxygen pumps and full-spectrum lights. Swedes can sit in these clubs for an hour every once in a while during the winter to save themselves from the dark. In the northern part of Sweden and Alaska, days can go by when the sun barely rises before quickly setting back down.

What good is a can of white paint? A lot. Full spectrum lights have been proven to uplift spirits when days are dark in the winter. Sitting in a room with this mockdaylight and absorbing this bright, white spirit does prevent season-affective disorder from taking over people's lives.

Today's society lives in the daytime, so when we finish our workdays in the dark, our response is to be over-tired and go to sleep. In the summer, we have more energy because there is more Ught, and we believe the awake-time is longer than sleep time. The human body can only thrive when it has enough daylight.

Light can help us even as far south from the North Pole as Chicago. We have daylight between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 am in the winter, roughly speaking, considerably better off than Swedes and Alaskans. Yet, Chicagoans feel the same effect of darkness - when night falls, it falls fast and takes everything with i t Over the year I have noticed that as the days get shorter, so does my temper, so does my energy and so does my overall spirit. Night seems to infiltrate my brain, slow my thought process and darken my perspective. I worry that my wintertime negativity shadows my real emotions. But I also worry about other people I see continued on page 6

The Trant family says thanks^ On September 11th, Mrs. Inserra lost her brother, Danny Trant, in the New York City terrorist attacks. The following is her letter of thanks to the students for their support: Thank you, each and every one of you who joined forces to rally the town of Park Ridge in raising funds for my brother Danny Trant's family. Your unbelievable fundraising tactics like jumping in front of cars uptown (and scaring some people by doing so), manning tables, shouting cheers for U.S.A., or spending your valuable time so generously, means the world to my family and me!

Thank you to the entire cheerleading squad— Varsity, Junior Varsity, Red, and Black— for your incredible generosity to-

ward Danny's family. Sports were an immense part of my brother's life, and how poignant that you would go out of your way to help his family.

I realize how difficult it must be to be a young a person in the wake of all recent tragedies. Your hard work and selflessness exemplify what we all need to continue on every day as a society. I'm so very blessed to know you, and your families I'm sure, are so very proud of the people that you are!

On behalf of my entire family, I'm gra)( ful beyond words. God's Speed.

-Mrs. Sheila Inserra

Student Review

Pearl Harbor goes Hollywood The anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor is today, December 7.

The movie Pearl Harbor reenacts that Japanese air attack that took place in Hawaii on December 7, 1941.

It is reported that over 135 million dollars were spent to recreate these events. However, only forty minutes of the three-hour show are used to show the attacks. These attacks brought the United States into Worid War II and changed our lives forever.

This movie shows how our president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, reacted and what the Japanese strategy was. However, this is a side story in the movie. The rest of the movie is a dra-

matic love story.

When the movie premiered last May, it became an immediate success. It appeals to all people. It not only has war and fighting, but also love and drama.

A big focus of the movie is the love triangle between Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale and Josh Hartnett. Affleck and Hartnett love the same girl and fight over her.

The two are able to come together, though, to help their country during the attacks. Good action takes place and many special o ^ ^ fects are used to show t H ^ severity of attacks.

The movie hit video stores this past Tuesday.

-Kara Collins Go watch it today.

Commentary 5

SOUTHWORDS • DECEMEBER 7, 2001

Student Opinion

Thank you Hawks!

by Anna Marzullo I want to thank you. Each and every one of you, who every day for months donned a jersey and strode across the parking lot to begin yet another practice, yet another chance to constantly improve yourselves. I want to thank you for working as hard or harder than you ever thought possible. For every moment you were in pain and had to remind yourself why you were doing it, for every heart-stopping second that the clock ticked down and the tension almost paralyzed you— I want to thank you.

I never understood before. I never saw how anyone could want to do that to himself, to put himself through so much pain for a mere game. I understood now.

When I saw that it was for the absolute love of the game, I understood.

This year's homecoming game was my first voluntarily attended football game. Maine South's creaming of the Saints was my second. My third was quite possibly the most exciting game I had ever seen— a hard-fought and utterly deserved victory against Stevenson.

The day following that game, I watched a Bears game. Perhaps you are not aware of what that means. It means that I, Anna Marzullo, actually turned on a television for the sole purpose of watching part of a football game. It means that while watching, I used football terms like "two-point conversion" and 'Tield goal."

You, the Maine South football players, did that for me. You completely changed my mind about football. I want to thank you for it.

Before this year, I had never understood what it meant to have spirit. A certain se-

»

nior from last year was the most enthusiastic person I'd ever seen. He was relentless in his school spirit. He came to class every day for a week, counting down the hours until state.

He was removed from the stadium for running onto the field and waving the MS flag during the game— yet even that could not quell his school spirit. His pride was bewildering to me.

I wanted to find out the purpose behind it.

So this year I decided to try my hand at it. I carefully applie face paint and then went into public. People saw me with red and black face paint. I could hardly believe I was doing it— but I did.

You, the Maine South football team, helped me comprehend the joy of school spirit, of cheering so deafeningly loud that the next day you can barely speak, of jumping and pumping your arms, and of wishing there was some way for you to be on that field helping but knowing that you actually are aiding the team— just by being there as a fan. I want to thank you for that.

And so, football players, I thank you for the season that changed my mind ^|. ^ • w i^flSji about football and school spirit. I thank you for every affliction you endured to bring • . ^ F / glory to Maine South. I thank you for doing what you did, every minute of every practice and every game, because you did it for yourselves and you did it for all of us, your fans.

And to the other Maine South athletes: See you at the next game or meet or competition.

I may very well be there for the first time.

-photos by Rachel Kalom

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We worked very hard. We knew what we were capable of - we could have done more, but our injuries held us back - Chris Fosco, '02

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While I didn't attend a majority of the games, I could hear the fans from my house, so I assume the were doing well.

- Paul Teipe, '03

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It was a great run - it's outstanding to be a state semifinalist.

- Tom Egan, Faculty

TTiey're good - r ve been to games before.

- Krsitin Oison, '04

6 Commentary

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 7, 2001

Staff Opinion

Milestone countdowns take ovewi

by Deanna Oleske You have two minutes to finish this article.

Ever since the countdown to Armageddon, computer blips, and the new millennium, Americans have become obsessed with countdowns.

Countdownclocks.com advertises a "new way to look at time." Retirement clocks, wedding clocks, vacation clocks, birthday clocks, and even custom corporate countdown clocks.

You too can feel the "anticipation and excitement" of watching the days melt away. For the business world, these clocks give motivation to the workers as you countdown to the new project.

With resetable options, the countdown fun will never stop - all at an affordable $24.95, these have become the new craze. These clocks come with a lithium battery of five years, so in some cases you may be counting down to your new battery change.

You have 1 minute 34 seconds to finish this article.

We all countdown secretly in our

Chandler's days to winter break (14), days to Christmas (18), days to the end of the year (180), but it is more discrete. Now you can have a fabulous clock to do it for you!

Soon, our countdown-stricken lives will lead to countdown ofdeath clocks. I am sure that they would sell like crazy if we only had the technology to predict our death date.

What kind of impact would it have on you if you knew you had exactly 56 years, 187 days, 43 minutes, and 32 seconds, to live?

What would we do differently? I am sure TV ratings would go down as we took note to that time ticking clock and decided that more important things should come to attention than the latest Friends episode.

You have 51 seconds to finish this article.

Would we carefully think over every decision we would ever make? Doughnut or bagel, the calories no longer matter - your death date is set. Or would Ufe just be the same?

Whatever happened to Uving in the moment? Appreciating the day for what it is?

CarpeDiem!

You have 33 seconds left to finish this article.

Seize the day! By watching time tick down to that date, we no longer seize the day, but think of the day that is coming. The present becomes irrelevant as the future takes over.

One minute and 12 seconds ago you began a journey in a few more seconds.

Hope you enjoyed the ride.

Property of the Editors {continued from page 4) who are just as affected. Other people who grow depressed in the wintertime, other people who get frozen into the night.

As the season of giving and getting rolls around, I am trying to keep in mind that the sun also rises, that sunset does not last all evening - not only for myself but also for those around me. Watch for friends who let the cold freeze their j inner light and drown in darkness. Because we are all affected by Chicago winters and Chicago sunshine, and we all notice when the sun seems to be asleep most of the day, we all need to be aware of those around us who lose inner light to the shadows of the sunset.

Editors'Pic of the Week

photo credited to Phillips 66

iFeatures 7

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 7, 2001

John Lennon remembered

by Lauren Faleni The death of John Lennon brought an era crashing to an end. Though it has been 21 years since his death, it remains fresh in the minds of many of his fans.

On the night of Decembers, 1980, John Lennon had just spent hours recording at the Record Planet Studio and was returning to his New York City apartment just before tragedy struck. Lennon and wife Yoko Ono stepped out of their limousine when a fan, Mark wChapman, walked 'over to Lennon to get his autograph.

Shortly after that.

Chapman fired five bullets into Lennon's shoulders and neck.

Lennon struggled to the security guard's office, and collapsed crying, "I'm shot, I'm shot." PoUce arrived immediately and put Lennon in the car to bring him to the nearest hospital, but when asked if he knew who he was, he could not reply.

Lennon arrived at Roosevelt Hospital after the shooting, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Back in Lennon's apartment, Mark Chapman had been arrested without a fight.

Chapman was mentally ill and admitted to his wife that he was planning to kill Lennon. At the time, he claimed Lennon to be a hypocrite after reading John Lennon: One day at a Time. Chapman was a paranoid schizophrenic, who found the words of John Lennon to be irresistible. They had a huge impact on his personality and transformed the brutal and bloody murder into a fantasized fictional thriller that Chapman felt he had to act out.

"It was an end of innocence for that time.

And I regret being the one that ended it,"

Chapman said not long after the murder.

On October 3, 2000, Chapman was up for parole. He argued that he should be granted his freedom because he had been a model prisoner and overcame his psychological problems.

Yoko Ono, on the other hand, claimed that she would have feared for her safety if he was to be released.

Chapman was denied his parole application, though he says he thinks Lennon would want him to be free.

Within minutes of being declared dead, fans gathered around the hospital reciting prayers, burning candles, and singing Lennon's songs. On December 14, 1980, all around the world people paused for ten minutes of silence to remember the former Beatle.

He was a singer, songwriter, guitarist, husband, father, son, and leader of a generation. John Lennon had approximately 21 solo albums throughout his career. Working with the Beatles, he had about 40 albums, including compilations.

Not only was he practically a rock martyr, he was behind political causes as well.

"Lennon's work fighting for peace and an end to the Vietnam War struck a chord with a whole generation," says Bill Harry, author of The John Lennon Encyclopedia.

Many people also claim that without John Lennon, the Beatles could never have existed.

"If you didn't have all four of them you wouldn't have the same music," claims Keith B adman, author of The Beatles Off the Record.

It wasn't just about the music, though. It was about who Lennon was as a person: inspiring to many people. It didn't matter what

he was playing; his actions alone spoke a thousand words.

With what has unfolded in our country in the past month since the September 11 attacks, it is important to think about our world and what we have and can do. John Lennon would probably be writing patriotic songs of love and peace at a time like this.

Lennon was a man that people could count on for comfort. He was not afraid to bring up a certain issue and would most definitely be comfortable talking about what happened on September 11. He reahzed that people's emotions need to be dealt with, and music is one way of doing so. He helped people find their emotions during the Vietnam War. If only there were a musician such as him today.

Without John Leimon, music would not be what is today. His contributions to the music industry, politics, and essentially the world will never be forgotten. Maybe this December 8, take time to remember that 21 years ago a legend ended.

SOUTHAVOROS

1

A student-produced newspaper of:

I

Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068

I Letters to the editor should be delivered to | room V-131 or given to a member of the edi- \ I torial staff. SOUTHWORDS reserves the | right to edit material for clarity and brevity j and to reject obscene/libelous submissions. \ Editors-in-Chief News Editors Commentary Editors Features Editors Sports Editors Production Editors I Core Photographers i Core Staff Artist i^dvisor

Britt Frederiksen Megan Gibbons Monica Bysiecki Caroline Kim Deaima Oleske Tracy Schmidt Eileen Collins Emily Haak Austin Gibbons Kristi Katz | Jim Puis j Dan Saavedra j Rachel Kalom | Salena Retsos T.R. Kerth

8 fpaf^n'^^^J

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 7, 2001

Cheater! Cheater! You lose

by Jackie Yeaman and Doug Link Do you think your significant other is cheating? After a recent survey, it was discovered that 100% of students at Maine South cheat. Interestingly, it was found that males cheat about twice as much as females.

Senior Nikki Nowak claims, "Guys are up to more mischief and don't care as much as girls do. Girls have more morals."

No, these statistics are not referring to relationships, but academics instead. Maine South High School defines cheating as: any test or assignment that is not completed honestly. Maine South's regulations claim that giving answers to other students without the teacher's permission is cheating as well.

According to the University of Missouri Columbia, females have a higher average GPA than males do. The average GPA for female seniors in the fall of 1999 was 0.19 grade points higher than that of male seniors.

Furthermore, high school females in all grade levels have had a higher GPA than that of males from 1996-1999.

But, why do females have a higher GPA than males? Is it that females are smarter in

general, or do they work harder than males do? A random sample of one hundred students at Maine South took a survey on how much work at school they actually did themselves.

According to the survey, males have a tendency to cheat more than females.

While 40% of males admit they have copied a test more than five times, only 26% of females have done the same. Furthermore, 10% of males have had their paper written by someone else on a regular basis, while only 4% of females have.

However, 86% of females admit to copying homework on a regular basis, and only 80% of males copy homework on a regular basis. On the contrary, females care more if their work is being copied. According to the

survey, 40% of females care if their work is being copied and only half that number of males care if their work is copied.

In an interview with Nikki Nowak, she mentioned that people cheat just out of laziness. She says, "They are lazy and don't feel like doing it." Jim Ward agrees. He admits he cheated because he just didn't feel hke doing the work.

In the end, is cheating really worth it? The GPA scores prove the rewards of working towards your own accomplishments and not that of others.

Cyril Connolly probably said it best: "A lazy person, whatever the talents with which he set out, will have condemned himself to. second-hand thoughts and second-ratl ftiends."

The forbidden fruit

by Emily Haak

Jay Gatsby, the suave, handsome, and most of all mysterious entrepreneur of the roaring twenties made his fortune as many others of his time: by the illegal production of alcohol during the prohibition movement.

In 1933, the U.S. government was compelled to repeal the 18th amendment, which allowed for prohibition. The law was unenforceable, and highly impractical. The prohibition movement was a failure.

Ever since the twenties, and probably before it, the U.S. has had an odd fascination with alcohol, especially among underage drinkers. While the problem of under age drinking has risen and waned, it has never fully gone away. Nation wide and even in the tiny community of Maine South, it seems as if there is a resurgence of under aged drinking.

The fact that there is a difficulty with drinking is not anything shocking. The pro-

posed solutions to this problem, however, are somewhat new.

Some, namely the U.S government, would argue that the best way to combat underage drinking is to maintain a minimum drinking age, and pass legislation revolving around that concept. Ten states now have a zero tolerance policy for blood alcohol levels while driving, meaning that if pulled over, no alcohol can be present in the blood stream.

They beUeve that alcohol is something that minors are not responsible enough to handle, and they should therefore not be allowed to have it at all.

Research may indicate that they are of the right mindset. Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that in the 1960s and 70s, when the minimum drinking age was lowered to 18 or 19, the number of alcohol related traffic accidents actually increased. Since the ages were again

raised in the 1980s, alcohol related traffic accidents have since gone down, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

There are, however, people who argue the exact opposite position, such as Ruth Engs of Indiana University. She contends that prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors just furthers the "forbidden fruit" aspect of the drug, making teens want to drink it more. She also points out that the decrease in alcohol related fatalities among minors started before the government made the minimum drinking age of 21 mandatory for all states. Free taxi services from drinking establishments, better education abo drunk driving and increased seatbelt use a r l ^ ^ more responsible for the decrease, she argues.

Her case goes on to highlight other drinkcontinued on page 9

;Features 9

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 7, 2001

How did you get that muscle?

by Ian Fidler, Mike Boychuck, and Anthony Radek Biceps bursting out of his jersey, with thighs the size of watermelons, his overall stature screams muscles and his hits come with punishment.

Every freshman player stands in awe of what they look to become: a varsity starter.

The question is, how does one become so built? Is it just your biological inheritance? Or can you take something to give you that extra boost into raw power?

Many of today's high school and college athletes have found a supplement to increase body and muscle mass. The supplement is Creatine.

Creatine and other energy supplements like it are out in the amateur world of sports begging young underdeveloped athletes to try it. Maine South's students are Inone to say they haven't, adding to the increasing statistics of young athletes taking Creatine. But are they really necessary, and do they pose a threat to our physical well being?

"Creatine really helped me put on the weight I needed to compete at the next level," said varsity football player, Blake Fiorito. "It gave me that edge I needed to perform at my maximum abihty."

Blake isn't the only senior who feels this way; 69% of senior football players surveyed use or have used Creatine or a similar muscle enhancer. The media and friends

play a big part in the decisions of these athletes. Maine South's results don't fall far from a NCAA survey taken by Hawkzone.com on college athletes. "Almost 60% of college athletes use muscle enhancing supplements that are unregulated," the survey stated.

Results show that the longer you play in high school athletics that more likely you are to take supplements. Only 21 % of freshman football players surveyed use or have already used supplements. That is a staggering difference from the percentage of seniors. When asked if he would ever consider taking a muscle enhancer, one freshman wrote, "Yes, not right now but maybe later in high school." The number one reason of

freshman who didn't use supplements was their fear of side effects.

What does Creatine and other supplements do? Do they really work? Are there any side effects? CreatineFacts.com is a helpful source in finding everything an athlete needs to know about Creatine and other similar substances.

Creatine is a natural substance in our body used as muscle energy. Creatine supplements simply increase the energy content in our muscle cells by increasing the availability of ATP in our body. The more ATP made, the more strength one has. Twenty to thirty percent of Creatine users do not respond to the supplement at all. Common side effects include weight gain, diarrhea, and kidney stress.

Not everyone feels muscle enhancing supplements are the right choice to make.

"I don't believe a product that new on the market can be effective," says physical fitness expert Scott Tumilty.

"Nothing used in excess is good for the body, and will not be highly effective."

Both sides can be argued in this debate.

Most results are inconclusive; use is based on personal opinion. Because it is a legal way to increase muscle. Creatine has been accepted in amateur sports. Creatine is not frowned upon by the sponsors, but many fear its effects.

However, can something that will help pave the way to future Maine South championships be all that bad?

tial educational programs are present.

She must have been thinking of the many countries around the world, particularly in Western Europe, where alcohol related incidents occur much less than in the U.S, and the drinking age is lower. Indeed, in Europe and elsewhere there is a different opinion of alcohol. Recently, Maine South hosted a group of foreign exchange students for one weekend before they went back to their respective countries. At a dinner time conversation, David, one of the exchange students, pointed out that in Germany, they feel

that it's better to legally drink, then drive, because by the time that one gets his or her license, the excitement of drinking has already worn off. Others at the table agreed.

While there is much controversy surrounding the underage drinking problem in America, there is one certainty; teens have the same fascination with the forbidden fruit as Gatsby and the "bootleggers" of the twenties had. Only until this country undergoes a fundamental shift in attitude towards alcohol can we ever really hope to solve the drinking problem.

continued from page 8 ing statistics. Even though alcohol related fatalities among minors have decreased since the minimum drinking age was raised, other factors, such as binge drinking, vomiting after drinking, cutting class as a result of hangover and fighting while intoxicated, have all risen among underage drinkers.

Engs contends that the drinking age in the United States should be lowered in order to ensure that young adults would learn to drink responsibly in a controlled environment where role models and influen-

10 ^p/"-^^

SOUTH WORDS â&#x20AC;˘ DI-CHMBFR 7, 2001

'Tis the season

by Matt Recsetar Yes, 'tis the season to be jolly, because the wrestling season has just begun. Under the direction and supervision of Coaches Craig Fallico and Hall of Famer Dennis McCaim, this year's team may be the "Best Ever".

The varsity Hawks are off to an explosive 3-0 start and on their way to bigger and better things in the weeks to come. In a colossal fan turnout, the Hawks gave B uffalo Grove a whooping, despite the absence of captains and returning starters Pat Maloney (171 lbs), Jim Libby (189 lbs), and Matt Recsetar (152 lbs). On the following night, the turkeys were restless as the Hawks trounced St. Laurence and Loyola. With 11 returning varsity starters and a sweet 16 finish last season, the Hawks may have earned top ten ranking, but there is still much to prove. The returning varsity

starters are two state qualifiers, Nick Fallico (130 lbs) and Dan Tedeschi (112 lbs); Jason Caudill (145 lbs); Alex Chavez (215 lbs); and soccer's "All Midwest" Jim Denk (160 lbs). New ingredients to the lineup include Nick Schittino (119 lbs), James Doyle (103 lbs), Chris Storti (135 lbs), and Joe Stritzel (275 lbs). Other studs hanging around the varsity Uneup are Paul Maloney, Jim Hauser, T r e v o r <ussel, Tyler Murchie, Jeff S t a c k , Brendan Cameron, Joe Sieczkowski, and freshman Rick Loera.

As Coach Fallico always says, "We got guys." Our Uneup will always be filled with hard [working, capable, and exemplary wrestlers. They will get their chance to earn part of their worth this Saturday, at home, against the prestigious St. Rita's, and in future weeks take on p)Owerhouses at the always competitive Prospect Tournament, and a dual meet against York High School.

Fema/e sensations

by Jamie McKenzie Looking for a good time and non-stop action? Look no furtherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the Maine South girls' basketball season has returned.

The varsity team is a special case, consisting of the most unique individuals to have stepjjed on Maine South's court. With a record of 4-2, the team has established a trend of completely wiping out any opposition. The varsity team, not fazed by defeat, is prepared for a challenging season and will put up a vicious fight with anyone who stands in the way of victory.

The hall-of-fame head coach, Mike Deines, assisted by Karen Walker, emphasizes that the team must "accentuate the positive," a concept guided confidently by team captains, Erin Farmer and Liz Bondi.

Deines reminds his players that "no one comes into our paint uncontested."

In response, Bondi has rejected an infi-

South Statsi 35-34 the final score in the 2000 semifinal last-second victory in double overtinne over 2 seed Lincoln-Way.

35-34 the final score in the 2001 semifinal, last-second loss to 11 seed Downers Grove South in overtime.

of the basketball

nite number of opponents' shots, using her killer kick step and bold blocks to deny enemy entry.

In between. Farmer dazzles her opponents with her penetrating drives and amazing assists. Once in a while Farmer will dish out to Annie Forde, whose jump shots are a threat to any opponent. Predator, Mary Therese Ristau, keeps a careful watch on nearby vulnerable passes, stealthily preparing to intercept the ball. Ristau brings her opponents to complete vexation using merciless picks, often times mistaken for brick walls. Having mastered the art of the threepointer, Britt Luxton has now moved on to new challenges by taking three's with her eyes closed. To this Luxton responds, "This is true." The team is always deep in thought with the philosophical questions of fearless post player, Caiti Kaminski, and no one ar-

rea/m

gues with powerful post, Maria CoUetti, whose intense game tone can be heard echoing in the Maine South foyer.

The Fabulous Five juniors, Sarah Andersen, Mary Kearney, Jamie McKenzie, Katie Solan, and Kim Talaga, the novices of the team, are the varsity energy boosters and are making great progress as they make the transition into the varsity level. During the last minutes of the M.S. vs. Barrington game, with the help of senior superstars, Colleti and Kaminski, these juniors were able to reduce the margin of defeat.

Overall, the relentless girls' varsity bas ketball program at Maine South shows gre rea|^^ promise. With the finest coaching staff ai^y managers available and the highly esteemed athletes a part of the Maine South girls' basketball program leaves Maine South in a win-win situation!

SOUTHWORDS â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 7, 2001

Another handsome team

by Mike Zuhr It has been a long standing tradition at Maine South that the mens' basketball team has not only been constructed of the finest athletes, but also the most handsome gentlemen available. Due to either graduation or lack of heart, the tradition was in jeopardy.

Surprisingly, when reevaluating this year's squad, it is evident that looks, ability, and intelligence have replaced size, strength, and competence.

Over the Thanksgiving break, this year's boys' basketball season kicked off. The

Hawks competed in the prestigious Schaumburg Tournament, in which many of the state's top ranked teams played, including defending state champion Schaumburg.

In the first game of the season, the Hawks stumbled out of the trenches, falling to Wheaton Warrenville South. Bryan Smaha led the Hawks, pouring in 22 points, scoring Maine South's first 16.

Against St. Charles North the Hawks rebounded, sporting their new jerseys. In the end, the Hawks walked away with a 30-point

victory.

On the third day of action the Hawks suffered a heartbreaking defeat to St. Josephs in overtime. One bright spot from the tournament was that Smaha was named to the prestigious All-Tournament Team.

Thanks to some loyal fans, the Anichini and O'Keefe sisters, the Hawks pushed through the tournament and look to the upcoming games against the New Trier Trevians, the Glenbrook South Titans, and the Hersey Hawks.

Boys take to the waters

by Alan Zarychta As the cold weather approaches and the girls leave the pool after a successful season it is once again time for the boys' swim season to begin. This upcoming year prom^ises to be very productive and interesting.

This season marks the first year for junior varsity coach, Mr. Donald Kura. He is a former Maine South graduate as well as former Hawk swimmer.

He is taking the place of Coach Sayre, who is taking some time off to be with her new child. Coach Kura promises to get the freshmen and sophomores into shape and ready to swim.

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The swimmers will look for leadership and confidence from returning senior varsity members. Bill House, Drew Huening, Jon Michaels, and Don Nielsen. The team will also expect great performances to lead the team to victory from returning juniors, Adam Cien, WilUam Kruesi, Alex O'Connor, Kevin Pick, and Alan Zarychta. The varsity team will also be looking forward to a strong year from its only returning varsity sophomore, Mark Kruk.

This season, there is also a plethora of juniors looking to step it up onto the varsity level after a strong season on the JV team

Dec. 8

vs. New Trier 6:00PM

vs. Waubonsie Valley 6:00PM

Wrestling

vs. Niles West 6:00PM

@ Prospect Tournament

Boys'Track

Girls'Track

Dec. 9

Dec. 10

@ New Trier 6:00PM

Girls' Basketball

Boys' Swimming

^

H3}A/k Highlights Dec. 7

Boys' Basketball

Girls'Gymnastics

last year.

The team swam well at the time trials on November 26 and 27, when the teams are put in their places. Next, the boys are ready for a busy schedule ahead with the first meet of the season against St. Patrick's on November 30. The dual meet season will continue and be halfway completed by the end of December.

These guys are already preparing in the morning and afternoon, with practices twice a day. The swimmers anticipate the season to be filled with hard work, determination, and strong times.

Dec. 11 vs. Glenbrook South 6:00PM

@ Glenbrook South 6:00PM

lom SPORTS

Boys' Basketball • Girls' Basketball • Indoor Track • Boys' Swimming • Girts' Gymnastics • Wrestling

D e j a v u , reversed roles

by Austin Gibbons It is a popular phrase: "History repeats itself." On November 17, it did just that.

As the Hawks of 2000 took on LincolnWay Central one year ago, they had no idea of the effects it would have on the team of 2001. The No. 11 seed Hawks stunned No. 2 seed Lincoln-Way Central. In a gutwrenching game played in the snow, the Hawks shocked the world as they defeated the powerful Lincoln-Way Central team 3534 in double overtime. It led the Hawks to a state 6A championship over Glenbard North. As fate would have it, history would repeat itself.

Following another amazing season, the No. 2 seed Hawks took on No. 11 seed Downers Grove South in this year's class 8A state semifinals. As the 6:00 pm starting time inched closer, the field became engulfed with dense fog, thick enough to block Maine South's fans from seeing the DGS fans. As the game began, it looked a bit dismal as the Hawks went three and out on their first possession and punted the ball away.

The Mustangs took the ball down the field far enough for their kicker to get it through the uprights, to take a 3-0 lead.

The Hawks quickly responded, and went

on a rampage scoring 14 unanswered points, on a one-yard run by Chris Ratajczyk and an eleven-yard run by Brian Kura.

The Mustangs later returned on a long touchdown bomb that cut the lead to 14-10.

But the Hawks would respond before the half closed, to extend their lead to 21-10.

The Hawks would not score again until the final two minutes of the fourth quarter.

Downers Grove would score 14 unanswered points before the Hawks would respond.

Once the Mustangs scored to take the lead, the crowd fell silent. Yet the Hawks knew it wasn't over just yet.

They pushed 87 yards from their own 13yard line to score on a three-yard pass from Tony Wnek to Mark Ori. The Hawks lead was at 27-24. Dave Olson then came out to attempt the extra point. Wnek and Olson couldn't connect, as the ball was unable to be placed.

The Mustangs answered back as they marched down thefieldin 32 seconds. Amazingly they threw a 19-yard pass play that ate up only 1 second on the clock. Then, the phantom false start was called on the Mustangs, but oddly picked up and waved off, leaving the Mustangs in great position to tie the game with 4.9 seconds still on the clock,

4.9 seconds that should have run out on the infamous one-second 19-yard pass play.

Their kicker nailed the 39-yard field goal and sent the game to overtime.

A familiar stage from a semifinal oneyear ago. The Hawks went first from the ten, and scored in two plays. They smartly chose the extra point kick and made it, giving the Hawks a 34-27 lead.

The Mustangs scored quickly, cutting the lead to 34-33. The Mustangs rolled the dice and went for the two-point conversion, and their quarterback Mike Cuzzone connected with a wide-open receiver to win the game.

This was familiar territory in a semifinal game, one year ago. It was a missed e x t i a ^ point, a 35-34 victory, in overtime. T ^ ^ V Hawks played their hearts out; the fans cheered their hearts out. Fate was just working for the wrong side.

The Hawks finished the year an amazing 12-1, with their only loss coming at the hands of the Mustangs.

This year was an unbelievable season, led by great players that will be sorely missed next year. This was quite possibly the best Hawks team that Maine South has ever had.

Congratulations on a very successful season.

Tota/ number of games lost by the senior class throughout their high school career:

2