Vol 41 issue 11

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M A I N E TOWNSHIP H I G H SCHOOL S O U T H

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ii 11. 2005

In This Issue

NEWS FEATURES Rubc-Goldberg Student council team competes nominees at N a w Pier f

page 3

P^gc 6

ENTERTAINMENT Comic book movies stage a revolution

page 8

VOL.

4 1 . N o . 11

COMMENTARY SPORTS Bo\'s swimming A look into the art of the inside has strong secjoke tional sho\ving

page 10

page 14

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NEWS MARCH

11, 2005 • VOL. 41, No. 11

Maine South Rube Goldberg team competes at Navy PiQ| bv Mickey Mickev Mansan by Manga.

members. Having Unfortunately, Maine South's unwavemg ing competed last year, Dilfer was an extremely valuable asset to the team, dedication to the project was not enough to On a cold November morning. Erik Johnson offering clever steps like a functioning prevent fault during the judging on Friday. opened his door to invite Paul Dilfer inside. crossbow and a spring- loaded dowel rod whip. After one perfect run through, members Paul has brought with him one six-by-four foot No single person could have built a machine Bungum and Dilfer deftly worked to reset the board, an old sausage maker, a waffle iron, and like South's. Teammates worked off one machine in every intricate detail. It was not other various articles of no apparent similarity. another's ideas to solve the trickiest problems. until late in the nine minute grace period that Those who witnessed the Argonne National Other favorite steps Bungum noticed a lever had Laboratory Rube Goldberg competition on include a hot dog guillotine broken during the first run.

Friday, February 18, however, know that such triggered by a waffle iron, Already over their time limit, items were just what Maine South's team a perfectly calibrated Maine South was forced to run needed to complete this year's task. Teams projectile launcher that the machine without one were required to create a machine of at least sends a ball through the air crucial step, which was enough twenty steps that empties a flashlight of its into a chicken wire trough, to butcher their chances for batteries, inserts new batteries, and turns the and a giant blade that slices contention in the state lamp on. competition. It was an two taut strings with agonizing hour when Dilfer Well aware of the extreme difficulty of their deadly precision. All steps pholci courU'sx cij Jack Maniiii cranked the sausage maker to task, Johnson and Dilfer, w e r e Rube Goldberg shows its begin the machine, knowing all along with team members carefully cleavage. too well that the team's work would lead up to Nora Roche, Donnie crafted. After two weeks of one failed run.

Bungum, John Jacobi. late nights in Erik Johnson's James Pikul, and Mickey After the judging, Maine South kept running well-equipped basement, the Mangan met to begin their machine for spectators, and it proved to weary team of seven construction over be an audience favorite. Morgan Park Academy assembled the machine at took away first place in the end for the second Thanksgiving break last Navy Pier's Children's piKlUl year in a row with an absolute marvi fall.

Testing and Museum with confidence.

Rube Goldberg team poses for a picture engineering.

Maine South's sullen tear imRl troubleshooting late into Maine South had an offered a helping hand in the dismantling of the night prior to the impressive display at the contest, the team made anything but short work competition, with the largest machine and the the machine after the contest. After two-andof their objective. When the machine was clearest unified theme. Modeled after a-half months with it, they were very sorry to finally completed, it surpassed the twenty step Chicago's history in meatpacking, the see it go. Ask any of the seven teammates and minimum with an extravagant 77 steps. Each Southpackington Stockyards featured they will tell you that the countless hours spent step was carefiilly crafted by one or more team everything from falling livestock to a steam were well worth it. train to a razor sharp cleaver.

Cameras to do the work of five police officers

by Anna Wolonciej

Getting caught redhanded no longer requires an eyewitness.

Thanks to new technology, Chicago Police will now use video surveillance in high-crime Chicago neighborhoods. Police assure that this advancement will help eliminate drug crimes around the city.

About 30 cameras were first installed in 2003, but they were nothing like the ones put in last November. The older ones could not monitor very far and had to be watched in squad cars within a few mile radius. Now, all the images will be transmitted into the 911 Center in the West Loop. By the end of the year, the police force hopes to double the

number of cameras in the rough neighborhoods.

One of the first arrests using this high-tech innovation occurred on February 9. The bulletproof lens captured a digital image of a drug deal a few blocks away. The officer monitoring that area contacted police officers on duty near the scene, and within a few minutes they were making arrests.

Rob Huberman, director of the City's Office of Emergency Management and Communication, believes that the cameras are "the future of policing."

At first, Huberman thought that the cameras would be used only to deter crimes, but now they will most likely be used to help make arrests. The cameras can do the work of four or five police officers. That could really help lower crime rates or at least make more arrests..

Most of the $16,000 surveillance cameras

are going to be put in areas where crime rates are highest, such as the Harrison District in Chicago. It has been the leader in murder and drug arrests for many years. So far this year, 57 murders have been reported in that region.

Authorities hope to significantly cut these numbers.

Mayor Richard Daley believes that the cameras will provide a sense of security for the people in those neighborhoods. He also hopes that the drug dealers and criminals will feel threatened and be too frightened to commit crimes. ^ ^ Daley also claims that the cameras w ^ B t violate privacy rights. If the cameras are mounted properly in public places and only observing those places, it will not be an invasion of privacy. He says it will be just like having a police officer on the corner instead of a camera.

NEWS MARCH

11, 2005 • VOL. 41. NO. 11

^ b a m a and Durbin hold town hall meeting at Loyola University

by Mike Bielaczyc

views of conservative Republicans in Congress with those of moderate Democrats., Questions from the audience focused" almost exclusively on what plan of attack' Congressional Democrats had in response to _ Republican claims that Democrats have no, alternative plan to save Social Security.

Durbin and Obama both vowed to take the ' issue to all legislators, on both sides of the, aisle, expressing optimism over Speaker of« the House Dennis Hastert's recent claim that •" the American public does not want this plan' "shoved down their throats." , The event was split evenly between firm n debate regarding statistics, figures, and"

Senators Barack Obama and Dick Durbin. as well as Representative Jan Schakowsky, were present at Loyola University's Water Tower campus on Monday, February 28,2005 for a town hall-style meeting regarding alternatives to President Bush's plan to privatize Social Security.

Over 400 citizens, ranging from concerned teenagers to the elderly, attended the meeting, asking questions and viewing presentations about the current state of Social Security.

Citizen Action-Illinois, a progressive activist group led by William McNary, sponsored the event.

The Congressmen fielded questions from the lience, including vists such as a local ;lworker's union and members of the LaRouche Political Action Committee, and each presented short speeches of their own.

Senator Durbin laid out the main points of President Bush's privatization plan, clearly stating that, if necessary, ^^"^'^'^ ^''^ ^'"'^'" 'P^"''' '" '^"^'''"'" ' " ' " audience Senate Democrats would filibuster any emotional personal stories, such as McNary's proposed privatization bill. Durbin also account of how his children managed to attend, compared scenarios describing what would college with the Social Security money they • happen if nothing were done to the Social inherited even after the death of his cancerSecurity system versus what would happen stricken wife. under Bush's plan.

The question and answer session was cut, "Those who argue we need to change Social short due to the senators' need to return toSecurity are not arguing the solvency of Social Washington, D.C; however, the bigger-thanSecurity; they're arguing the legitimacy of expected turnout calmed fears that the public \ Social Security," Durbin said. does not appreciate the serious nature of the.

Taking the podium. Senator Obama Social Security debate. challenged any Bush official to argue with the ^j^tistics regarding Social Security. Obama ^^Pued that looking at the facts, one can see that there is no crisis, and that, in fact, privatizing the system would further put the nation in debt.

Representative Schakowsky, who invited Durbin and Obama, gave a brief PowerPoint *6ii3f^ presentation that highlighted the contrasting

«

Do not forget about the Park Ridge's local elections on April 5 More information will be in the next issue.

h\ James Manias Everything you know is wrong: A New Jersey scuba diver claims that he came up with the idea and original script for "Finding Nemo." Halfway across the nation, a woman is suing the Wachowski Brothers for allegedly stealing her ideas to make "The Matrix."

After over 4000 years of human civilization, you'd think we'd have given up on the whole "it was my idea first!" concept by now.

Just thinking aloud here: Whenever I walk past the library, I enjoy reading the Pep Rally's posters. A recent one said, "Mathletes, calculate them!"

How about something like "Divided we fall"? "Mathletes are equal or greater than champions"?

Small burrowing mammals next to rule the world: Northern Arizona University professor Con Slobodchikoff said to the Albuquerque Journal about his two decades of desert research that prairie dogs speak in different dialects but probably understand each other, can invent new sounds for new things, and can even gossip.

Yeah, keep on laughing. You would be talking to prairie dogs, too, if you spent twenty years in the desert. / don 't even know if 1 believe this one: According to a New Jersey Associated Press report, Kraft Foods Inc. recently introduced road-kill gummi candies: somewhatflattened animals with tire treads in fruity flavors.

Wow. No comment.

No, America is not paranoid: On February 27, hundreds of emergency telephone calls bombarded city officials; callers were concerned about a strong odor that smelled "sulfer-like." The source of the smell was never found, nor was the smell identified.

Doomsday experts pointed out that this meant demons walk among us.

Whoever smelt it dealt it.

•mm I

FEATURES MARCH

11, 2005 • Voi,. 41, No. 11

Love lives (or lack thereof) in high school byAtra Asdou

Maria also mentioned that she wouldn't want to have a boyfriend now anyway because You're all grown up. she wants to focus on school, grades and mature, and responsible extracurricular activities. Many kids at Maine enough to make you own South are involved in sports and other afterdecisions about who your school activities, in addition to home-life and friends are and whom you friends. When you have someone who you date in high school. Little do you know what have to have time for, but don't exactly have you're getting into. High school relationships time for. it can end up hurting both parties. may or may not be such a great experience for Relationships, whether they're platonic or noneveryone. The cliche of having a significant platonic. they require effort. other is nothing less than a bunch of cuddles So how much of an impact do these high and kisses. When it comes down to it, though, school dating experiences have on are lives? relationships can be 10 times harder than the To answer this. I asked Kayla and Mike, a pre-calculus assignment you had last night. Maine South couple, who are one year and Think about it; when you're in high school, nine months into their relationship, what they you haven't even figured yourself out. You thought. Mike started off by saying, " [It] hardly know what kind of mood you're in when depends on how much time they spend on the you wake up in the morning, or even if you'll other person." Kayla added, "Some people stay in that mood for the rest of the day. When take relationships too lightly. If they're not you're in a relationship with someone else who completely devoted, that kind of relationship is going through the same mood swings, you won't have a huge effect on someone's life." get mass confusion.

What exactly does devotion mean, though?

Being single can be a great way to find you "In our case, devotion isn't spending every before you dive in headfirst and drown in a moment of every single day together," Kayla relationship. Maria, an un-attached Maine stated. Mike agreed, saying, "It's believing in South junior, notes that, "Being single is so one another and thinking about them and wonderful. You don't have to worry or think hoping for the best for them. about the other person. You don't have to That said, not all relationships in high schedule dates or be expected to do things— school are a bad thing. Once in a while, you you're free. You can hang out with different need to tell the happenings of your day to guys (without anyone being jealous), meet new someone who's more than just a friend. people, and you're not held back by anything. Sometimes, you probably feel like you want

Why the exitement with foreign language?

to be hugged by someone who you're not on the buddy system with.

A lot of peer pressure goes into high school relationships. You can either feel left our, or unloved. Or, if you're in a relationship, you can be pressured to get out of it for social reasons. However, as Mike puts it, "Peer pressure shouldn't affect a relationship. You should base where you go with your relationship on what works between the two of you." It can be hard to avoid your peers' opinions when you're in a relationship though, especially in such a gossip filled environment.

"I think peer pressure could possibly hinder the communication between the couple," Kayla said, suggesting a "he-said, she-said" communication barrier.

Maria, Mike, and Kayla all surprisingly had the same feelings towards relationships in high school, and in general. When you are dealing with feelings of the heart, don't ever feel rushed. Keep yourself on a steady pace and you'll see so many positive things to being in a relationship, even if it's one that's in sch

SOUTHWORTDS

m

A student-produced newspaper of:

Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068 Signed letters to the editor should be delivered to room V-131 or given to a member of the editorial staff. .SOUTHWORDS reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to reject obscene/libelous submis-

by Mr. Dutmers

courses. Here's what some students said about the importance of learning a foreign language: What a week. The Foreign Language "It's good to know other cultures and Department just concluded a spectacular week expand your thoughts about other ethnicities." of festivities in its annual Foreign Language - Britt Torger Week. The week's events included the annual "You never know when you're going to Foreign Language Breakfast, a Poster Contest, have to talk to a person who speaks another a Faculty Baby Picture Contest, special language." - Billy Basso cafeteria food, and many fun decorations in the "You can learn about other people's way of foreign language hallway. Even the library got life and how much they are similar and involved in the action and created a new different to us." - Abby Hayden display case presentation keeping this year's "With a foreign language we can theme in mind. Around the World in Seven communicate and share ideas with the rest of Days. the world." - Tom Kashul So. why does the Foreign Language "Understanding each other is a good way Department get so excited about Foreign to unite our communities and bring our Language Week? Well, just as the proof lies in generation to even greater heights." - Angela the pudding, this question is best answered by Randazzo students currently enrolled in foreign language

Carly Calkins Kate Funkhouser Ashley Rezaeizadeh News Editors Alex Schallmo Kelsey Keith Features Editors John Malllor\' Entertainment Editors Melissa Hansen James Mantas Commentary Editors Mike Bielaczyc Rebecca Christopher Corinne Ullrich iiricn Steve Conta Sports Editors Greg MitcF tc^m Bobby Crismyre Production Editor Katie Katz Core Photographers Jon Markowski Core Staff Artist Mr. Ellefson Advisors Mr. Stathakis Editors-in-Chief

FEATURES MARCH

11, 2005 • VOL. 41. NO. 11

5

^0ACH: An untapped student resource

4

Jasun Kainer

If you are an academically average student, and probability says that you likely are. a flawless GPA may be a foreign concept to you. If I were to be a bit more realistic and consider the likelihood of you holding just a decent GPA, we may once again run into a problem. So just for fun, let's say that your GPA is mediocre or worse, and as a result of this shortcoming, you often find yourself in conflict with your parents. You may even find your athletic career in jeopardy due to bad grades. However, the most important consideration for privileged students is that the mismanagement of academic jjerformance could cost a college admission.

Surely other students can find many more reasons why making a conscientious attempt in high school may prove beneficial, which will only relate the audience that much more to the point of this article. The fact of the matter is that there is a convenient organization of students and teachers who devote free time to help these very students. It is known as the COACH Program. This program may help you if you're ^|ftiggling with your GPA. ^ ^ T h i s charitable program brings together teacher-recommended students who have gone through testing and state approval to earn their positions as tutors.

Most specialize in mathematics, sciences, foreign languages, and English (paper composition, grammar, etc.), although their expertise may range even further.

In addition to the student tutors, a teacher.

" . . . " i s on TEMPORARY HIATUS

Due to a recent severe head injury which has complicated schedules, sleep patterns, and general homeostasis, 4k >? will return next issue presented in limited-time ITALL-PAGE FORMAT. (...and it'll probably be funny, too.)

nhnni h\ Katie

Katz

Jessica Kunkey helps Kevin Boggs with his homework in the COACH program. also known as a mentor, is there to help with any information that a student tutor might be unfamiliar with. A minor side note is that most tutors are particularly knowledgeable in the basic courses of grades 9-11. No matter how unsure one is over whether or not COACH can help them, students who need help should never hesitate to ask.

One might think that this is all too good to be true. It is a free service for anyone who wishes to become more confident in their studies. Allow me to take the liberty now to explain the disappointing truth.

COACH has been an awfully barren place this school year, and it has left mentors and tutors alike scratching their heads and wondering why there are roughly 2,400 students at Maine South and almost no one is taking advantage of this privilege.

One idea is that students simply do not know about COACH and the details of its operation.

Although there is an abundant amount of promotion for COACH around Maine South, most students probably overlook the fliers strewn

about the school building.

Some feel that the lack of students could be due to a location change that occurred between this school year and last, when COACH used to be located in the library.

Personally, I get a feeling that most teachers are not doing a good job in promoting COACH to their students in need. Whatever the reason may be, in the end, students are not getting the help that is there for them every day, and tutors are not able share the knowledge that is sadly gathering dust in their charitable minds.

COACH is located in CI34, which is also used as the sophomore study hall. It meets before school from 7-7:45am and after school from 3:15-4pm Monday through Friday, except for Fridays school.

Ms. Sarashinsky has been running it for five years, and would be more than happy to answer questions or lead students in the direction of COACH. I beg of you. Maine South students, please do not hesitate to visit COACH; it is an invaluable service that should never be taken for granted.

MARCH

11, 2005 • VOL. 41, NO. 11

2005 student council nominee profile^

Hi, I'm Roy Carvatta. What makes a good secretary for Student Council? This is a question that ran through my head when I decided to run for secretary of Student Council. Even though 1 am only a freshman, I feel that I can make positive changes to Student Council. Currently, I am very involved in school activities, such as soccer, swimming. Brotherhood, and Spanish Club.

By working with my fellow classmates, 1 feel I have a good idea of what people would like out of Student Council next year. All in all, I would like it if you would cast your vote for me on March 11, 2005 for secretary.

Hi, I'm Mary Hungerford. I am currently a sophomore at Maine South, and have finished up my second year in Student Council. I am on the High Honor Roll with a 4.2 GPA and I was Student of the Quarter in the Fine Arts wing last semester. 1 have been very active in extra curricular activities by participating in a variety of school clubs ranging from Fahrenheit 451, G.S.A., and Thespians. As secretary of the Student Council, I would note all ideas and business items during the Upper and Lower House meetings and would contribute to helping make Maine South a better place.

My name is Nick Cosgrove. and I am running for President of Student Council. I have been a member of Student Council since my freshman year of high school. This past year, I was Vice President. I had jobs such as assisting the current president, or filling in for her when she was unable to attend meetings. I was also in charge of taking attendance at every meeting and keeping track of all of the sign-in sheets. If elected, 1 plan to promote the general welfare of the school and improve student morale^ allowing the peoples" voices to be heard also want to encourage kindness in our school.

Attention students:

Hi. Maine South. My name is Kathleen Conway, and I am running for secretary of Student Council. In case you don't know me, I am organized, creative, and motivated. Next year I will be a senior, so you can be sure that I won't waste my last chance to make a difference at Maine South. 1 have been involved not only in Student Council, but also in Brotherhood, stage crew, and track.

Whether you spend your free time in the halls, on the stage, or on the field, I will help make Maine South a place that you care about.

My name is Katie Katz. and I am running for Student Council Treasurer. I am a junior and also was last year's Treasurer. As a member of Student Council. I have helped with food drives, assemblies, homecoming, and V-Show.

I have a great deal of confidence working with numbers and money and would use my skills to help student Council and ultimately Maine South.

If I am elected, 1 plan to use the money in t he best possible ways to make this school a be tter place. I think as a whole, we can make a difference at Maine South.

You can vote for these candidates and others today in the cafeteria.

ENTERTAINMENT MARCH

11. 2005 • VOL. 41, No. 11

7

#'Constantine": average, but enjoyable M- Ron Feiereiset **l/2—Keanu Reeves' new movie.

"Constantine." isn't bad. "Constantinc" is based on the DCA/ertigo comic "Hellblazer" ^although thai John Constantine is British and blonde). The movie has wit and some interesting characters, but it's missing a straightforward and concise plot.

Reeves plays John Constantine, who is dying oflung cancer. Reeves is at his monoione best, throwing in the occasional one-liner, but otherwise, noi . ' playing his role properly as a particularly strong leading man.

That said, I can't help hui wonder why he worked so well in the movie.

Perhaps it was his loner attitude and his overall bitterness to everything living that made his portrayal more likable. In fact, combined with a decent supporting cast. Reeves keeps the movie from backpedaling into the sea of so-so comic book movies that have flooded the cinemas in the last couple of years.

Rachel Weisz plays a detective Iwiking for the truth behind her twin sister's death. She does a good job, but her character fades out of the movie as it churns along toward its conclusion. Shia LaBeouf (the kid from "Holes" and "Even Stevens") plays Chas Chandler, the Robin to Johns depres.sing Batman. He retains just enough .screen time to make an impression, but d(K's come close lo being completely cut out of the movie, much like the characters of Father Hennessy or Becman, Constaniinc's quartermaster, both of whom have very little screen time and don't do very much for the plot. Even though these characters help Constantine. they could've easily been written into one super sidekick versionof Chas, What we're left with is a movie of six underdeveloped characters. Even Constantine could've used a little more drawing out; while he still fits the basic goodguy mold, it's evident that Constantine wants to be Neo. As far as special effects go. this big-budget movie has plenty to offer, but falls into "The Matrix" funk, with some slow-motion moments, like Lucifer shattering glass doors and then walking through the su.spended slowmotion glass. 1 suppose it's meant to suggest

Maine South music performs Be sure to check out some of these highlights brought lo you by the Maine South Music Department.

Orchestra Tuesday, March J5 at 7 p.m.

St. Andrews Church The chamber orchestra performs in its winter concert.

Thursday, March J 7 at 7 p.m.

Wheeling High School The Honors Concert will feature Wheeling and Fremd High Schools.

Choir Friday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral 570 J A'. Redwood Drive The mixed, concert, and chamber choirs will show off their Latin pronunciations at the anual sacred concert.

n

olo Ensemble Festival

Saturday. March 19 from 8:30 a.m. to about 4 p.m.

Maine South High School Over 4(X) talented student musicians from all Maine Township schools will be performing classical pieces for clinicians. At the end of the festival, the clinicians will designate a select number to perform in the District 207 Honors Concert.

power, but it just comes off as eye candy, like the soldier demons, which could've used a link more time on the drawing board to make them less run-of-the-mill demon-like. The only unique demon was Vermin Man, who is made out of insects and crabs and. well, vermin.

The absence of a discernible plot is a little unnerving, though. The story has something lo do with the devil's son. and a demon invasion, but it leaves a lot to the imagination and just gets lost in the carnage and religious mythology. The story seemed to be an afterthought. That's really the major problem; "Constantine" doesn't really excel at anything.

When it's funny, il's funny (Constantine nicking off the devil, for example), and the action is goi^J, but it happens in small doses throughout the movie, and doesn'l really kick off until the last half hour, when John brings out his holy shotgun. The direction is okay, although it seems like Francis Lawrence tried to work crosses into all the shots that he could, and as a result, some of the shots seem staged.

One thing thai I really liked about the movie was the fact that it didn't waste loo much time with a typical comic book origin story, like Spider-Man did. We're given the characters, and we accept their universe. Constantine is weird, but despite the shattered plot and overall status quo, I liked it. l i s an interesting movie; parts of it work well, while other parts slulter. and could've used a little more lime in writing. It makes mc want to check out the original comic book, though.

Which movies were originally comic books? a) T h e Matrix" b) "Blade" c) "The Gmmies" d) "Men in Black" e) "The Crow" 0 "Casper" g) "Road to Perdition" hi "Mystery Men" i) "The Mask" J) "Speed" kj "The Terminator" 1) "Bulletproof Monk" Ansyver • on page 8

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MARCH 11,2005 • VOL. 41, NO. 11

Superheroes ditch talk bubbles, spandeA

by James Manias Comic books ha\'e been around for a long time; surprisingly, though, comic book films have been around almost as long as superhero comics.

Superman was the first superhero to spark mass interest in comic books in the United States. Debuting back in 1938. the Man of Steel starred in a series of animated short films in 1941. Batman debuted a year after Supemian in 1939, and Captain America followed in 1941.

In 1951, "Superman and the Mole Men" was the first full-length (58 minutes) comic book movie, even though it was actually based on the Superman TV series starring George Reeves. "Batman" was the 1966 feature film spin-off of the popular TV show.

Comic book movies weren't truly big budget until 1978, when the first modern "Superman" movie hit theaters. It cost S55 million to make and made S300 million worldwide. Sequels ensued: 1980"s "Superman 2" was okay; 1983's "Superman 3" wasn't; I984's shameful spin-off "Supergirl" and 1987's "Superman 4" did terribly at the box office.

Then something wonderful happened; in 1989, "Batman" rocked the box office. Tim Burton's rendition of the Dark Knight grossed over S400 million worldwide; a year later.

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" hit theaters.

The movie was, as we all remember, one of the coolest movies of the 1990s. I still see trendy turtle-bearing T-shirts in the hallways.

This demonstration showed producers the potential of comic book movies, and the 1990s were filled with them. Comic book movie companies Marvel Studios, DC, and Dark Horse Comics all cashed in and produced highquality adaptions. Note, however, that the following are not the only movies based on comics; there have been several other adaptations in the last 15 years.

In 2000, the comic book deity "X-Men" tried out the silver screen and earned SI57 million in the process. Two years later. Marvel studios webbed another S400 million with "Spider-Man," 2002's highest earner. Both movies spurred sequels even better than the originals.

Mar\'el Studios also brought us "Daredevil," which was pretty cool. "The Hulk." which was just okay, and "The Punisher." which was cheesy but very enjoyable.

They are also working on a new version of "Captain .America," which is about a World War II soldier injected with a serum that gives him superpowers; "Fantastic Four." which should make several grown men giddy; "Iron Man," one of my personal favorites; "Silver Surfer," hopefully as stylish as the comics; and "Venom," who some may recognize as one of Spider-Man's enemies. We can all probably expect another "X-Men" and "Spider-Man." Hopefully, the sequels will continue to improve.

DC Comics has been owned by Warner Brothers since 1969. They were once the leader in comic book movies, with both "Superman" and "Batman" in recent memor\'. They gave us "Catwoman," with Halle Barry in leather (the only thing Warner Bros, did to try to make the movie not terrible—it didn't work, either), the underrated ""Constantine," which is still in theaters (see page 7). and "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," which was interesting, but could have been better.

DC is currently making a new "Superman," which makes me more excited than I should be. The Man of Steel's new gig "re-imagines" the legend, now with a CIA scientific investigator named Lex Luthor and a planet ICrypton that doesn't explode.

"Smallville" has been redefining Superman for the last couple of years. Airing every

Wednesday at 7 p.m. on the WB, "Smallville" focuses on an adolescent Clark Kent before he dons the tights. Tom Welling stars, and he does quite well doing so; when news broke that a new "Superman" flick was in development, and that he wasn't in it, fans overwhelmed Warner Bros, with letters begging them to reconsider. Unfortunately, the filming of the movie would've interfered with Welling's "Smallville" contract, and he was forced to decline the offer. It's really too bad; the "Superman" of the new millennium will miss him.

DC comics is also working on a new "Batman" movie, which is a prelude to the others, a possible "Wonder Woman" adaption, and an extra speedy "The Flash" for a screen bigger than your TV (hopefully).

Dark Horse Comics brought us "Hellboy," which was unseen and enjoyably complex.

Finally, Universai's "Archie," the practically pre-historic teen comic, might have a movie before all is said and done.

Definitely worth mentioning is The Unil Features Syndicate's "Peanuts" animated movies, based on the immortal comic strips.

As long as there are comics and movies, there will be comic book movies, and comics based on movies. There will also be video games based on movies based on comics, and comics based on movies based on video games based on real-life events. There may or or may not also be the occasional real-life event based on a comic book, like downtown Chicago's infamous skyscraper-scaling "Spider-Man."

SOUTHWORDS MUMBLE JUMBLE

Now arrange the circled letters to complete the following phrase:

'Your own

Jesus.

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COMMENTARY MARCH

11, 2005 • VOL. 41, N O . 1 1

by Katie Funkhouser I used to be able to sit in front of a Sega Genesis for hours. My favorite game was Sonic the Hedgehog, but I'd always have trouble at the same part of the game: Sonic had to jump from platform to platform in midair. He had to do this quickly because the platform he was standing on would begin to crumble as soon as he landed on it. This stupid panic would settle on me as soon as I got there, and I'd hit the "pause" button and muster up the courage to jump.

I was filled with the same feeling for the first time in years when Speech Team season ended. Suddenly, this large time commitment was simply gone—gone forever, because I'm a senior. The mathletes season ended March 9th. Constitution team will end in May;

Southwards will begin staffing for next year soon. The platform that is my high school career is slowly disintegrating.

The strange part about all of it isn't so much that these activities are ending after four years; I'm sufficiently burned out to enjoy the extra time.

The weird thing about this is that the activities will, in fact, start up again next year.

1 just won't be in them. Hearing talk of who will captain the speech team next year, or take over Southwards is odd because the activity will proceed as if I'd never been on it. My Maine South career is basically like the dirty drawings on the A-wing staircase-it's evanescent; it vanishes from the memories of students under a layer of new paint.

I'm a different person than when I walked in the door four years as a ridiculously selfconscious fourteen-year-old girl. For one thing, my skin is better. No senior is the same person

9

he was as a freshman and, while this is not entirely due to school, we've all changed a lot through the medium that is Maine South.

It's strange to realize that the school will be the same without us even though it's affected us all fairly deeply. The freshman will simply replace our clutter in the hallway—we're each Ozymandias in that poem by Shelley.

When a new version of Sonic came out, I was excited to see that I could play the game as Tails, Sonic's sidekick. I wonder if Sonic, had he been real, would have been surprised to see Tails making the environment his own as if Sonic had never been there.

The feeling of my platform crumbling before I know quite where to jump—where to go to college, how my life will look a year from now—is unsettling. And there is no "pause" button. There's only the knowledge that when I jump to the next platform, this one will be gone forever.

The horrors of animal experimentation t>y Katie Hapeman Every second, an animal dies in a United States laboratory in "the name of science."

Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Animal experimentation is the blackest of all the black crimes that man is at present committing.

I abhor animal experimentation with my whole soul. All the scientific discoveries stained with innocent blood I count of no consequence. The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." What price must be paid in order to advance science?

Consider this: forty or fifty adorable little Beagle puppies, most of which are only four weeks old, are taken into a lab.

Now imagine those same puppies being shaved, soaked in kerosene, and set on fire. ^ ^ ' en. picture the dogs burning for an hour or ^ ^ ^ ( o before they all finally die. If you're wondering why the puppies were murdered in such a fashion, the answer is because somehow this method will allow researches to study the effects of third-degree bums. One doesn't even need to run an experiment to figure that out.

This vision of vivisection is enough to make

anyone sick. Vivisecfion is defined as the act or practice of cutting into or otherwise injuring living animals for the purpose of scientific research. Sadly, this euphamism for torture is also

''The current Animal Welfare Act allows experiments on and treatment of animals that carelessly subject them to mutilation and pain. "

very common in almost every country in the world. The term is used to refer to several categories of scientific or medical procedures performed on animals, including drug or chemical testing, biomedical research, and the slaughter of animals for organ harvesting.

Last year. 17,000.000 to 22.000,000 animals were experimented upon in the United States alone. According to a 1996 report issued by

PETA, 88.3% of the animals experienced pain during the procedure but only a fraction of the animals in question received anesthesia or other pain relieving drugs. Ask the experimenters why they experiment on animals and the answer is. "because the animals are like us."

Ask the experimenters why it is morally acceptable to cause pain to a living creature and the answer is. "because the animals are not like us."

Animal experimentation rests on a contradiction of logic. The horrors that currently exist in our laboratories jeopardize more than just the tortured and forsaken animals in question. Animal experimentation is called a "necessary evil." What's so necessary about igniting puppies and letting them bum to death? The current Animal Welfare Act allows experimentson and treatment of animals that carelessly subject them to mutilation and pain. Elie Wiesel. a Holocaust survivor and renowned author said, "Take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." It is time we demand an end to the misguided and abusive killings of millions of animals.

10

COMMENTARY MARCH

11, 2005 • VOL. 41, NO. 11

The art of the inside joke

by Mike Bielaczyc "It doesn't have to make sense; it just has to make!"

"Earmuffs. Dwayne!"

"Don't forget Poland." You know, stronger than dirt!"

You getting any of this? Of course not, because they're all inside jokes.

In a society obsessed with social interaction, the inside joke has achieved the status of an art form. Some fjeople love it, oth ers despise it, but the fact remains that little quotes and gags are just as capable of 'm isolating people as they are of bringing them together. jj'"**'"^ How does ^ ' \ the average in- JU'"^'^ side joke come ^ about? Sometimes, a movie or TV. show starts the trend with a funny quote or way of saying something. At other times, a joke comes about as a result of someone finding something funny enough to bring up at every possible moment of the day. A person experiences this and emulates it among his/her friends, and from there, the joke finds a life of its own among people who are now officially "in on it."

Everybody has found him or herself in a situation that revolves around an inside joke. Somebody yells out a random saying to a friend, laughter ensues, and you're standing there wondering what could possibly be so funny. Of course, you ask. What's so funny?" and get the standard "Sorry, it's an inside joke."

What is the fascination with the inside joke?

The answer's quite simple - it links people together, forming a nearly indestructible bond of laughter and memories of good times had.

It keeps others out, creating and strengthening groups and cliques, things we already consider evil necessities of a productive society.

We search for things like the inside joke because we constantly search for validation of our ideas.

If we can get someone to laugh at some-

thing that happened days, weeks, or even months ago, then that means they actually took the effort to remember something you did. It is a unique thing to be able to exclude someone from a conversation with the simple excuse, "Sorry, it's an inside joke," and we take advantage of this comfort.

High school is all about recognition. This means that one's popularity, one's sense of worth, even, is tested by the number of people knowledge with you can acnod while a alking rom the A-Wing to the cafeteria.

Even better, if you can yell out a rand o m phrase and get a positive response, you can prove that people know you.

People can reminisce over high school pranks well into their golden years, and pass on stories of their jokes to their grandchildren, all in the sprit of remembering that, at one point or another, they could make other people laugh, and it was good.

It is a rare feat to keep an inside joke from becoming over-exposed or to keep conversations from degenerating into compilations of loosely strung-together inside references.

Of course, once that happens, the joke's over, its unique nature ruined and its exclusiveness gone. It's important to find a balance between sharing a joke among just enough people to keep it alive and keeping it rare enough from becoming tacky (a fate that recently befell one of the newest inside-joke treasure troves, "Napoleon Dynamite"). If you can do that, then the joke can live on without you.

No matter what one's opinion on the inside joke is, it is undeniable that it is and will continue to be a pop culture nugget worthy of admiration.

Still, you have to admit, "it gives you a great joy, right in your heart cavity." Sorry, it's an inside joke.

o

"Napoleon Dynamite."

-Dave Mozdren '05

3

o "Uavid Hasselhoff."

-Lukas Stoechmann '06

"Why they won't add more parking."

-David Ranalli '06

O

5

O

IS

"More heavy metal articles."

-Andv Wiatr '06

COMMENTARY MARCH

11, 2005 • VOL. 41, NO. 11

11

She Maine South catwalk

by Corinne Ullrich The Academy Awards have come and gone for another year, and once again people have realized that watching celebrities on the red carpet is infinitely more entertaining than watching a man who just won the prestigious and coveted Sound Editing Award thank his third grade history teacher, or, worse, try to be a comedian.

Who doesn't want to see airbrushed women strut in gowns that cost more than a year's tuition at an Ivy League school? Well, as Chris Rock implies, all straight men. But nevertheless, fashion is still a vital force in America. But what about the lovely styles of the Maine South catwalks? As you will see, there are some very definite trends this season that are quite popular even as they defy all logic and have a certain allure that usually translates into looking cheap. One could even call the rrent Maine South collection of fashions, railer trash couture."

For starters, who doesn't love those midriffbaring tops? Even the most svelte young woman will look like she's entering the second trimester of pregnancy in these adorable little pieces, which usually feature impressively witty writing across the chest that gives the rest of us an excuse to scope out the wearer's mammary tissue. This writing can also be found on sweatpants, and, as we all know, having a message scrawled across your butt holds all the elegance of a knock-off of a designer bag. Whether you bought them a couple sizes too small, are borrowing them from your eight-year-old cousin, or they shrunk in the washing machine, allowing a few inches of your stomach to hang out over your lowriding jeans and your visible thong is quite the timeless statement timeless statement.

Now, who hasn't noticed the inspired idea if to say, "The prospects of frostbite and to pair last year's dull Uggs boots with a gangrene don't bother me as much as the idea of being unfashionable." Indeed, these days, miniskirt? While some even a couture-conscious amputee is more might call it idiotic popular than a wallflower who actually covers to pair insulated her toes. boots with a skirt that In beauty, girls seem to like to shellac their barely hair in as much styling gel as possible, covers a giving it the sexy consistency of petrified pair of wood. Who wouldn't want to attempt to run his fingers through that? This styling underwear, means that if a nuclear bomb struck us those charges tomorrow, making North America are only uninhabitable, in millions of years leveled by explorers would still be able to find those who perfectly preserved and bleached aren't fashion heads of hair next to vaporized savvy. As we all remains of their skeletons. Girls know, it's actually a also seem to be frequenting delightful melange tanning salons and dousing that blends the themselves in self-tanner more essence of Australian than ever before. These ultrasurfer with three yards tans make a bold statement that of someone's leg. has the added benefit of allowing Personally, I like the the wearers to avoid pastel colored Uggs paraprofessionals since they blend the best. into Maine South's citrus colored The guys are lockers. This trend has become getting in on so widespread that soon the Ku maxium, exposure, Klux Klan will have to buy too, in a smoking new sheets, because orange is style that gives the new white. girls something to howl at the moon Unfortunately, not everyone about. Wearing is as thrilled as they should be shorts in January with these new looks. So, is the For some reason, this pair of pants is a major turn-on. insurgent influence of skank\ doesn't seem to be selling very well.

Keep showing us pop starlets actually littering the those pasty hallways of Maine South with fashion victims, or are they actually the epitome werewolf legs boys; we love them!

The chilly weather has brought out a of chic? As the ever classy Paris Hilton woula longing for the beach in the school's choice of say about them, "That's hot," and if you accessories and beauty treatments. Some disagree with her. well, then I just pity your students seem to favor sandals or flip-flops as cluelessness.

Attention aspiring writers: Your time is running out You only have three more chances to make your voice heard before you graduate/trek across Europe-so make them count.

The Commentary section accepts all submissions of about 500 words, on almost any topic you choose. If you have an opinion on something (and the chance is that you do), write about it, and submit it to the Southwords office, V-131.

12 Problems of the NHL unmasked: more than Bettman to blame PORTS

MARCH

11, 2005 • VOL. 41, No. 11

think that hockey is just that Canadian game first founded over 75 years ago. should be ^ ^ ^ played on ice. When the NHL was at its peak, of the easiest teams to market. Theree ^ ^ Okay, dedicated sports well over a decade ago, it decided that it had potential for a large fan base in such a fans, let's play the name enough interest to expand the sport across the populated city, but instead William Wirtz, the game. I say a name and country. It created and moved multiple teams team owner, has blacked out home games for you tell me who that in warm-weather Southern states such as area fans. This means that any home games person is.

Florida, Texas, and are unavaible for the Chicagoland area to Gary Bettman? No? Well then Arizona.

With the watch. He hoped it would drive more people try this: Martin St. Louis? How exception of the Dallas to come to games, but has made the sport less Stars, none of these teams interesting to fans by doing so. Poor ownership about Jarome Iginla? Not have created much of a fan such as this throughout the NHL has lead to its ringing any bells? Here's an base. Who wants to go to demise. easy one: Wayne Gretzky? an ice rink when it's 80 If you still haven't figured The NHL has very little it can do to create degrees out? any of them out, don't feel bad. revenue and Second is the You join millions of Americans r e s t o r e cost of salaries that know little to nothing about hockey as one escalated to of America's hockey. Very few people know astounding top sports. I or care to know that Bettman, numbers, so high see only one the commissioner of hockey, that some teams v i a b l e cancelled the National Hockey were so far "in the scenario that League season on February 15. red" they couldn't allows hockey In doing so, he guaranteed that ^,„,„ ^„„„, to rise again St. Louis would have no one to Bettman has been criticized for not pay their players.

Very few teams one day: it pass his MVP trophy onto next doing enough to save the NHL. were generating m u s t season, or that Iginla wouldn't implement a be able to try and recapture his 2004 scoring enough revenue to match their salary cap' title. Bettman even listened to NHL legends expenditures. The athletes on the a heavy lux like Gretzky before coming to his final decision Ottawa Senators played a good tax for to cancel the league's 2005 season. In the end, portion of their season without a surpassing it, he and the Players Association just couldn't paycheck because the team was so St. Louis, last season s MVP, come to terms on a way to save hockey. broke. This was partially caused by cut back the hoist the Stanley Cup Trophy that True hockey fans are a dying breed; ticket Ottawa having to pay conversion rates teams from 30won't be given out this year sales and T.V ratings prove it. Too few people from turning a cheaper Canadian something to care enough to watch the Stanley Cup Finals, dollar into a rich American dollar. The problem 15-20 with few teams located south of Illinois, the league's championship, for it to be on of high salaries was addressed at the meetings and bring the game back to the fans. The national television. Instead, most of the series between Bettman and the Players Association. players won't mind the pay cut; most of them airs on ESPN channels, with a few games on The two sides could only agree on a S42.5 are playing for much less in European leagues ABC. million salary cap, but nothing else. right now. Unlike most athletes, they just want Several factors come into play when Finally, third is that the ownership has to play, and the die hard fans just want their thinking about why hockey has fallen from unintentionally moved the sport out of the hockey back. If all goes right, every side will grace. First is over-expansion. Hockey was public eye. The Chicago Blackhawks, one of get their way. Until then, the NHL will be a never America's sport. The majority of people the "Original Six" teams when the league was forgotten league. bv Steve Contomo

Boys' track says its ready for CSL South showdown

by Benz Ng The Maine South boys' track and field team looks to be in top form for the CSL Indoor Conference Championships after another successful duel meet.

In the Hawks' latest duel meet against St. Patrick's and Northside Prep, both levels posted quality performances. The freshman and sophomore squad fought valiantly and emerged victorious, taking first place in 9 of 16 events.

The varsity took first in 14 of 16 events.

First place finishers on the varsity level include the 4x800 meter relay of Matt Walsh, Greg

Field events standout David Spencer took Udzeliak, Greg Mitchell and Pat Moran (8:47); first place in four events: 50 the 4x200 meter relay of Dante Sabel, meter high hurdles (6.8), long Matt Blair, Dan Feiereisel, and Piotr jump ( 1 9 ' i r ' ) . high jump Lewkowski (1:44.9); Dante Sabel in (5 • 10"), and triple jump (42'1"). the 50 meter (5.7) and 200 meter dash Spencer's triple jump marks the (25.0); Tony Colletti in the shot put lehas second time this year that he hg (51 '9"); Gilby Lifton in the 400 meter broken his own fieldhouse ti< dash (53.1); Matt Annes in the pole jump record. vault (13'6"); David Ryan in the in the The Hawks look to finish the 50 low hurdles (6.7); Pat O'Hara in indoor season strong with the mile (5:00); and the "sprim" 4x400 Conference and the Rolling meter relay of David Ryan, Peter Meadows Pole Vault meet just Lesny, Adam Blandin, and Gilby Dan Csukpole ahead.

Lifton. vaults in practice

13 Leaving the court after a memorable season SPORI

MARCH U ,

2005 â&#x20AC;˘VOL. 41, NO. 11

^ P F Alexa Karas "Everyone but the state champions loses the last game of the year," said Coach Deines at the conclusion of this years girls' basketball season. Accomplishments have been made, goals have been fulfilled, and records have been broken. Individual players had moments of glory, but this season represented the effort of the entire team. Ending with a record of 22-10, the Hawk girls finish with no regrets.

They have savored and enjoyed every moment of success along the way.

The Hawks won their first game on the way to the state tournament, facing their long-time rivals, Maine West. Tensions were high, but spirits were up. However, with Ashley Tomzik out with a broken bone in her hand, the Hawks were definitely at a disadvantage. Coach Deines asked the team a vital question regarding their roles for the rest of the year: "Who are you going to be this time?"

During the season, they had picked up speed and momentum and were expecting victory. With a key player out with an injury, ^ ^ r y o n e had to step it up and take on a new ^ ^ ^ . Someone had to assume the leadership position. Danielle Jenero was that person; she took over the role as point guard and took control of the game. "She did a phenomenal job; she played the best basketball of her life,"

said Coach Deines. The Hawks came out on top, beating the Maine West Warriors 54-43.

After defeating their rivals, the Hawks were ready to take on Wheeling. Even without the talent of Tomzik, the Hawks were expecting victory. The Wheeling Wildcats were truly a Cinderella story this season, winning their first 17 games in a row and making it into the top 20 ranked teams in Illinois. The Hawks were ready for the challenge, but the Wildcats had extraordinary success in the first eight minutes.

In the first quarter of the game. Wheeling managed to score 26 points, resulting in an overwhelming lead.

"We knew it was going to be an uphill battle the rest of the game," said Deines. The Hawks came back slowly throughout the game until the last quarter, flirting with the lead. They came within 3 points only to fall short in the last seconds of the game. The referee made a few calls that changed the momentum of the game and the Hawks fell short of victory, losing 68-62.

Coach Deines came to the realization that this would be the last game of the season and the last game that he would coach here at Maine South. He left the court satisfied, stating "That was the best half of basketball Maine South girls have ever played." This was truly the best game of the season; the girls gave it everything they had, and although they lost.

they still held their heads high at the end of of the game.

The seniors really increased their skill level throughout the season and played with their hearts. All of the seniors, Brittney Zwolfer, Patti Ristau, Danielle Jenero, Meghan Polston, Nicole Cummings, and Veronica Allen, did a tremendous job this year and will be missed on the court when next basketball season begins. Patti Ristau was an aggressive and dependable defensive player, especially at the end of the season. Every player contributed to the team. "Even our more reserved players, Jessica Diffendal and Stephanie Zipp, improved practice for everyone and made tremendous growth," said Coach Deines. They worked hard, they worked with passion, and they almost always got the job done.

The girls have also broken several records and achieved many goals. Tomzik is one of the all-time leaders in 3-point shooting at Maine South. Christina Solari broke the rebound record with 22 rebounds, and then broke her own record again the following week with 23 rebounds.

The team also made it into the Sun-Times' Top 20 girls basketball teams in Illinois during the final week of the regular season. Some may think their season was cut short, but they have everything to be proud of and much more to look forward to next year.

Will the Bulls make the playoffs for the first time since 1998?

No-The Bulls have relied on the likes of Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Chris Duhon. Tyson Chandler, Eddie Curry, and Luol Deng. However, of the six names mentioned, three are rookies and none are over the age of 24. While their young legs have proven to be the reason for their recent success, it will also cause their late season fall. The rookies have yet to hit the "wall" that most reach around the All-Star break, but it will come soon. They're just not used to playing so many games; the jump from 20 games to 72 is too large for their unconditioned bodies not to tire. Gordon's late-game heroics will become less frequent, and Deng won't come clo.se to the doubl&><iftubte he's nearly averaged the last moQth. I V I FurtheTmore, the Eastern Cotife^<^, A NFC of basketball, was pretty weak before the trade deadline. However, several teams have restocked their teams hoping to make a second-half playoff run. The 76ers added Chris Webber, who will be a strong compliment to Allen ^ B r s o n . The Celtics brought back Antoine Walker. Don't forget the ^Wets, who aquired Vince Carter through trade a few months ago, now have Carter and Jason Kidd healthy, and can easily nab a playoff spot.

The East is no longer a joke. Top teams have gotten stronger, and middle teams that the Bulls will have to contend with for a seat in the playoffs have strengthened as well. While I. would like to see the Bulls make the playoffs, I don't believe this will be the year they do so.

Yes-At the beginning of the year I never would have predicted the Bulls to make the playoffs. However, no one could have expected the way the team devel^ i k ^ f l l oped after that 0-9 start. The reason this team won't ^ ' i ^ ^ B ^ l ^^^^ down the stretch is that they win with defense, ^ â&#x20AC;˘ ^ ^ ^ ^ 1 not with offense. They hold opponents to the lowest field goal percentage in the league. What this means is that even when they are having an off night scoring, their defense will keep them in a game they might eventually be able to grind out. Another thing I really like about the ESPN-dubbed "Baby Bulls" is that each player has a defined role, and they all accept it. Tyson Chandler understands he has to provide iiefecuse oft the beach, and rookie sensation Ben Gordon imderstands he has to pro\ ide his spark-plug offense whenever it is needed. Othella Hairington provides something the Bulls haven't had since Bill Wennington; a big man who can score off the bench. Even a rarely-used veteran like Adrian Griffin seems content to contribute his nine minutes of solid defense. Antonio Davis provides an excellent veteran presence, and if there was an award for leadership, he would win it hands-down this year. Though Philadelphia and Boston have improved since the trade deadline. Chris Webber's knees don't allow him to be the player he once was, and the Antoine Walker-Paul Pierce combination has failed before in Boston. The Pacers don't seem to be a contender since the "Malice in the Palace" and it is uncertain how long Vince Carter can carry the Nets on his enigmatic back.

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Swimmers shine at sectionals, Sarran swims at state

by Kevin Kane On February 19. the IHSA Sectional Meet couldn't have gone much better for the aquaHawks. The team came back from a 33-point deficit to edge out Maine West for third place in the 11 team meet, losing only to state-ranked Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South. On the way, the team qualified junior standout Marc Sarran for the state competition in the grueling 500 yard, freestyle event.

"We anticipated good drops in times, but on that Saturday, the team swam out of their minds. Marc Sarran's state qualifying 500 was the icing on the cake," said seasoned Varsity coach Chris Deger.

The key to the team's success in the sectional competition came via the meet's three relay events. The 200 yard medley relay team of Chris DiFranco, Pat Pieta, Eric Libner, and Kyle Thompson was seeded fifth but took third with a time of 1:42.86, less than a second from the school record and just missing the IHSA state cut.

Not to be outshined by their team's earlier performances, the 200 yards freestyle relay of Pieta, Kevin Kane, Libner, and Thompson again moved up two slots to nab third with a

time of 1:31.72, just over one second from the state cut and the thirteen-year-old Maine South record. The longer. 400 yard free relay of Sarran, Kane, Mark Szpak, and Thompson completed the trio of thirds with a time of 3:25.40. According to senior Kyle Thompson, who anchored all three relays, "even though we just missed qualifying, we all gave an amazing team effort, posted some incredible times, and 1 couldn't have asked for a more incredible way to end my four years of swimming at Maine South."

A number of stellar individual performances were recorded as well, as the Hawks finished every single race with a personal best time, fiustrating countless opponents and eaming the commendations of numerous opposing coaches.

Sarran earned fourth in the 200 yard freestyle (1:48.99) and third in the 500 yard freestyle (4:51.92), DiFranco was third in the 100 backstroke (57.10), and Pieta was fifth in the 100 breaststroke (1:04.57). Mark Szpak and Mark Nagelvoort in the freestyle, Jeff McCortney and Ryan Morrisroe in the butterfly, and Rick Macino in the breaststroke and individual medley all made key contributions.

The afternoon's most notable individual performance belonged to Sarran, who, by virtue of dropping an unprecedented fifteen seconds in the 500 yard freestyle, now bears the distinction of being the first Maine South swimmer in 21 years to surpass the state qualifying cut of 4:54.29. "It was really the swim of my life. I didn't actually believe it until I saw the clock. I gave it everything I had and it paid off. But I must say that the best performance of the day belonged to our team as a whole," he said.

Although Sarran was somewhat disappointed with his 25th place finish at the February 25th state preliminaries at New Trier (4:57.36), the team couldn't be happier with an afternoon off school spent cheering on their 2005 qualifier. CSL foe Evanston High School took first in Saturday's finals with 178 p<^^^ and 2004 state champ New Trier had to ^^^ for third with 131 points.

The Hawks ended the season with a 6-4 dual meet record, fifth in the Central Suburban League South Conference (described by assistant coach Terry Lyons as "the toughest swimming conference in the union"), third place honors in sectionals, and a state qualifier to boot.

Boys volleyball out to prove themeselves

by Alexa Karas After an abrupt end to last years boys' volleyball season, the guys are just waiting to show everyone what they've got. Ending with a tremendous record of 34-6, the boys have spent the last few months figuring out what stopped their successful journey to the top.

They had lofty goals, but came up short after being knocked out by New Trier during the match to win sectional match. Last year ranked as one of the most successful years that boys' volleyball has ever seen. They had the power and ambition to go all the way.

This year is another story, and the main goal is to win state, one game at a time. The Hawks are expecting some returning sophomores, juniors, and seniors that have been working throughout the off-season on dominating the court and perfecting their skills. One of the

most anticipated returns is that of senior Dan Fabry, who has already signed papers to play volleyball at Long Beach State in California, which placed second last year in the NCAA tournament.

Some other returning players are sophomores Kris Staks and Teddy Adamcyzk, and junior Cullen McChristian. "They have the experience and youth the team needs," said boys varsity head coach, Gary Granell.

The biggest rivals for the team will be New Trier and Glenbrook South. The Hawks let themselves get too comfortable facing New Trier in the sectionals match last year because they had beaten them twice in the regular season. Coach Granell and the boys won't let victories cloud their vision this year. "We didn't take the game seriously enough. Our strategy this year is to play every game like it's our last," said Coach Granell.

Practices are going to be tough this year, especially during the time leading up to spring break. The practices will be about two to twoand-a-half hours a day, and the team will be testing their limits with intense training. Coach Granell plans to work the boys hard until spring break and focus on fine-tuning their weaknesses when the regular season starts.

Their first home game will be held on Tuesday, April 12 against Waukegan. and the Hawks hope to draw large a crowd for the opener.

When asked about any final remarks for this upcoming season. Coach Granell s^j^.

"Everyone starts out on square one beginning of the season. Records don't maror. ma?

The team will start out stronger with fan support early on in the season."

The boys' volleyball team is aiming high and expects a very strong and commanding team this year.

M